THE 



SEVENTPI REGIMEiNT: 



A RECORD. 



MAJOR GEORGE L. WOOD. 




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NEW YORK : 
PUBLISHED BY JAMES MILLER, 

(successor to C. S. FRANCIS A CO.,) 

522 BROADWAY. 
1865. 



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Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1S65, 

By JAMES MILLER, 

In the Clerk's Office of tlie District Court of the United States, for the 
Southern District of New York. 






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AUTHOR'S PREFACE. 



The following pages were written for the purpose 
of making a permanent record of the facts within 
the author's knowledge relating to the Seventh Ohio 
Regiment The work was undertaken with the be- 
lief that the doings and sufferings of the regiment 
were of sufficient magnitude and importance to en- 
title it to a separate record. It has been extremely 
difficult to obtain facts, on account of so large a por- 
tion of the members still being in the service. The 
book is, therefore, written principally from memory. 
If it serves to perpetuate in the minds of the public 
the hardships, as well as long and faithfid service, of 
this gallant regiment, then the object of the author 
is accomplished. 

Waeren, May, 1865. 



PREFACE. 



This preface to tlie history of the Seventh Ohio 
Yolunteer Infantry is written at the request of the 
accomplished author of the book ; but without hav- 
ing read it, seen it, or heard its contents. I have, 
however, such confidence in the ability, honesty, 
candor, good judgment, and good taste of my old 
friend and " companion in arms," that, for myself, 
I take his work on trust, and in cheerful faith com- 
mend it to others. 

But was there a demand for another book on the 
war? Or were the doings and sufiTerings of one 
regiment, among the thousands engaged in the war, 
of such interest as to demand a separate history? 
These are questions the author doubtless weighed 
carefully before he began to write ; and his answer 
to them is his book. I agree with him. This na- 
tion has a deep, and will have a lasting, interest in 
the war. We have been making history of un- 
rivalled, perhaps of unequalled, importance to the 
world during the past four years. We ourselves 



6 PEEFACE. 

cannot comprehend the magnitude of the work we 
have been doing, or, rather, that God lias been 
doinsr tln-ouirh us. The successful revolts of the 
JSTetherlanders against the tyranny of Philip II, — 
of the Puritans against the tyranny of Charles I. — 
of the republicans against the tyranny of George 
III., dwindle to insignificance (important as they 
were) in comparison with the successful revolt of 
the loyal, Union-loving, freedom-loving citizens of 
this Republic against the tyranny of treason and 
slavery. It was a great fight for a great cause, and 
God has given us a great victory. There was not a 
nation on earth that was not interested in the con- 
flict. Ay, it concerned our common humanity. 
All this will be seen more clearly and felt more 
deeply twenty, fifty, a hundred years hence than 
now. But to transmit and pei'petuate the fruits of 
this victory we must have records of the war — many 
records, made from many different points of view, 
and of many kinds, great and small. The history 
of this war is not yet written, perhaps cannot be 
successfully written for many years yet. And that 
it may one day be written as it should be, every regi- 
ment that has a story to tell should tell it. These 
regimental histories will be invaluable to the Ban- 
croft who, fifty years hence, shall write the history 
of this war. The world is only beginning to under- 
stand the true character and vocation of history — to 



PEEFACE. 7 

mahe the jpast live in the present ^ not in great 
pageants, not in processions of kings, princes, and 
mighty conquerors, but in the common every-day 
speech and deeds of the people. "When Merle d'Au- 
bigne would write the History of the Keformation, 
he wrote to Guizot for counsel. Guizot encouraged 
him, and counselled him to proceed, but added, " Give 
us facts, incidents, details.'''' This counsel chimed 
with the purpose and genius of d'Aiibigne, and the 
result was a history that, though it discusses doc- 
trines and themes commonly held to be dry and un- 
interesting, has for old and young, and men of all 
classes, all the charm of romance. In this, his 
" facts, incidents, details," equally with his fascinat- 
ing style, lies the charm of the histories of Macaulay. 
But that historians may write such histories — that 
the historian of this war may write such a history, 
the "facts, incidents, details" must be on record. 
There is a demand, therefore, for another book, for 
many other books, on the war. 

In addition to this, every regiment of the grand 
Army of the Union in this war has its own history, 
of peculiar interest to its own especial friends. And 
I have faith in what Dr. O. W. Holmes once said : 
" I would not give a fig for a man every one of 
whose geese were not better than any other man's 
swans." To us of the old Seventh " all our geese 
were swans." Whether others believed in us or not, 



8 PREFACE. 

we had faitli in ourselves and in one another ; we 
were a mutual admiration society of a thousand and 
odd men. And the fact is, that, for some reason, 
but what I cannot say, the Seventh Regiment, from 
the day it was mustered into service to the day it 
was mustered out, was always the pride and pet of 
Ohio, of Northern Ohio especially. In this respect 
it never had a rival. True, it was a well-disciplined, 
gallant, fighting regiment ; hut so were many others. 
True, it had brave and acconii)lished otlicers; but so 
had many others. True, it had in the ranks men of 
refinement, education, and high social position ; but 
so had many others. I am at a loss to account for it, 
but the fact nevertheless was as I have stated it; 
and as its deeds corresponded with its renown, its 
doings, of all others, demand a permanent record. 
And, if I tun not mistaken, the reader of the follow- 
ing pages wlu) sluill follow the Seventh from the day 
it was mustered into service, in Cleveland, in 1861, 
to the day the pitiful remnant of it, after tramping 
and fighting over almost half the Union, were mus- 
tered out of service, in Cleveland, in ISOrl, will find 
in them ample compensation for his time. 

F. T. B. 
Chicaoo, Ilx.., May, 1865. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

ThR fall op SUMTETl. — CiVIX, WAK BEGUN. — PrEPAKA- 
TIONS BY THE SOUTII. — NOBILITY 13 

CHAPTER II. 

The President's call fob troops. — Oboanization op 
TBR Seventh:. — Its depabtube fob Camp Dennison. 
— Its reobganization and departure for tue field. 19 

CHAPTER III. 

The pubsuit op Genebal Wise. — Tyler obdered to 

MENACE GAULEY BbIDGE AND TUBEATEN WiSE'S COM- 
MUNICATIONS 30 

CHAPTER IV. 

The SKiBMisn at Cross Lanes. — Gallant conduct and 

FINAL escape OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT 43 

CHAPTER V. 

Reflections on the sftiBMisn at Cross Lanes. — Battle 
OP Carnifex Ferry 56 

CHAPTER VI. 

Charleston and the Kanawha Valley. — A double 
murder. — Colonel Tyler assumes command op the 
post 63 

CHAPTER VII. 

Floyd establishes battebies on Cotton Hill. — Dbiv- 
EN off by the fobces OP General Cox. — Benuam's 



10 " CONTENTS. 

FAILTJRE TO INTEKCEPT HIS RETREAT. — HiS PtTRSUIT. — 

- Skirmish at McCoy's Mills. — His final escape 70 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Reflections on the Institution of Slavery 77 

CHAPTER IX. 

The Seventh ordered to the East. — Expedition to 
Blue's Gap. — Skirmish on the Blooming pike 83 

CHAPTER X. 

Gallantry of Lieutenant O'Brien. — Death of Gen- 
eral Lander. — The Seventh escort his remains. — 
The occupation op Winchester 89 

CHAPTER XI. 

The Reconnoissance to Strasburg. — Battle of Win- 
chester. — Utter defeat and rout op Jackson's 
Army 94 

CHAPTER XII. 

General Shields' anxiety for laurels. — Summing up 
op the battle. — Losses in the Seventh 104 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Pursuit op Jackson up the Valley.— March to Fred- 
ericksburg, AND RETURN TO FRONT RoYAL 109 

CHAPTER XIY. 

The march on Waynesboro'. — Two brigades encoun- 
ter Jackson at Port Republic, and after five 
hours' fighting are compelled to fall back 114 

CHAPTER XV. 

Battle of Cedar Mountain. — Gallantry op the re- 
giment, AND terrible LOSS 123 



CONTENTS. 11 



CHAPTER XYL 

The regiment goes into camp at Alexandria, but is 

SOON ORDERED TO THE FRONT. — BaTTLE OP ANTIETAM. 134 

CHAPTER XVII. 

The march to Dumfries. — Skirmish with Hampton's 
cavalry, in which they are badly defeated by a 

MUCH inferior FORCE 143 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

The regiment ordered to the front. — Battle of 
Chancellorsville 150 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Accompanies the grand aricy into Pennsylvania. — 
Battle of Gettysburg 156 

CHAPTER XX. 

After reaching the Rapidan it goes to Governor's 
Island. — After its return it accompanies Hooker's 
corps to the Western department 160 

CHAPTER XXI. 

The Seventh joins Grant's army.- The battles op 
Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, and Ringgold. . . 164 

CHAPTER XXII. 

The advance towajids Atlanta. — Skirmishing. — Home- 
ward march. — Its reception. — Muster out 170 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Brigadier-General E. B. Tyler , 185 

Brevet Brigadier-General J. S. Casement 189 

Brigadier-General John W. Sprague ... 193 

Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel McClelland 193 

Major Frederick A. Seymour , 196 



12 CONTENTS. 

Surgeon Francis Salter 197 

C.J. Bellows 198 

G. E. Denig 198 

Frederick T. Brown, D.D 199 

Chaplain D. C. Wright 205 

Lieutenant-Colonel Giles W. Shurtliff 206 

Colonel Arthur T. Wilcox 207 

Lieutenant-Colonel James T. Sterling 208 

Colonel Joel F.. Asper 210 

Major W. R. Sterling 214 

Major E. J. Kreger 215 

Captain J. B. Moltneaux 216 

Captain Charles A. Weed 219 

Captain Judson N. Cross 220 

Captain John F. S. Chutte 221 

Lieutenant Louis G. De Forest 223 

Lieutenant Halbert B. Case 224 

Lieutenant Henry Z. Eaton 226 

Lieutenant A. H. Day 227 

Lieutenant William D. Shepherd 227 

Lieutenant E. Hudson Baker 229 

Lieutenant Ralph Lockwood 230 

Lieutenant T. T. Sweeney 230 

Lieutenant Edward W. Fitch 231 

Lieutenant A. J. Williams 231 



OUR DEAD. 

Colonel William R. Creighton and Lieutenant-Col- 
onel Orrin J. Crane 235 

Lieutenant-Colonel Mervin Clark 291 

Lieutenant Henry Robinson 295 

Lieutenant E. S. Quay 296 

Lieutenant James P. Brisbine 296 

Lieutenant Charles A. Brooks 299 

Lieutenant Joseph H. Ross 303 

Lieutenant Frank Johnson 304 



THE 



SEVENTH REGIMENT, 



CHAPTEK I. 

The fall of SimTER. — Civil wab begun. — Peeparations by 
TUB South. — Nobility. 

On a gloomy day in April, 1861, the telegraph 
flashed the news over the country that Fort Sumter, 
a fortress belonging to the United States, had been 
fired upon by a body of rebels, and thus inaugurat- 
ing all the horrors of civil war. 

By the great mass of people, civil war in our hith- 
erto peaceful country was entirely unlooked for. It 
bui-st so suddenly, that the entire country was con- 
vulsed. The people had become so accustomed to 
clamor in Congress and elsewhere, that they looked 
upon these threats to dissolve the Union as mere 
bravado. 



14 THE SEVENTH KEGIMENT : 

After the first clash of arms at Fort Sumter, both 
North and South drew back in alarm, as if in fear 
of the coming storm. The Southern people, how- 
ever, better prepared by education for scenes of strife 
and bloodshed, received the news of the inauguration 
of civil war with less alarm than did those of the 
ISTorth. The latter received it with a fearful dignity, 
conscious of the power to crush the rebellion. The 
South, with that arrogance that becomes her so well, 
expected to make an easy conquest. Long-continued 
exercise of power in national matters, had taught her 
to look upon the people of the Free States as her in- 
feriors, needing but a master-stroke for their subju- 
gation, — willing to lay down their arms, and seek 
safety in dishonor. They had taken us for a race of 
cowards, because we had giveu way to their selfish 
demands in our public councils, for the sake of peace. 
To be sure, we had some daring spirits in Congress 
who met these bullying traitors, making them feel 
the full force of Northern valor. But these were 
isolated cases, and won the respect of the Southern 
people to the persons of the actors rather than to the 
North as a people. They looked upon these spirited 
examples as rather proving the fact of our want of 
cliivalry than otherwise, and therefore were not cor- 
rected in their false estimate of a people whom they 
were about to meet on bloody fields. 

One reason the South had for cherishing so mean 



A RECOKD. 15 

an opinion of tlie North as a military power, was on 
account of her having entirely neglected the culti- 
vation of the art of war. She had so few represen- 
tatives in the army and navy, that they were both 
almost entirely within the control of the South. 

This control the latter had exercised for years, un- 
til her people came to look upon themselves as the 
only persons in the country fit to bear arms. They 
flattered themselves that they were the army, and 
we but a rabble, to be dispersed beyond the hope of 
reorganization at the first clash of arms. But in this 
strife, like all others where aristocratic privilege 
comes in contact with the freedom of democracy, 
these arrogant lords were to meet with a bitter dis- 
appointment ; they were to be made to respect the 
strong muscle and brave hearts of the so-styled ple- 
beian North. 

This avowed hostility of the South to the North 
had caused the former to take a military direction, 
and forced her into a course of policy which, how- 
ever outrageous it might appear, was yet a matter of 
necessity in her attempt at independence. The first 
step was to put herself upon a war-footing. This 
she had been perfecting for several years. The next 
was to get the Government so in her control as to 
make it powerless in the incipient stages of the re- 
bellion, that it might gain sufficient strength to 
withstand the first shock, and thus gain precedence. 



16 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

During a period of thirty years the South was 
gradually assuming a war-footing. The militia was 
organized ; independent companies were formed with 
no warlike object, as was generally supposed, but 
really to resist any encroachment of the Federal 
Government upon what the leaders deemed the 
rights of the Southern people. The election of 
Abraham Lincoln to the presidency was not the 
cause of civil war, but only its apology. There had 
existed in the minds of the Southern people a desire 
for an independent government, which would give 
the aristocracy a firmer footing. In other words, the 
Federal Government was too democratic. But it 
was necessary that these conspirators have some ap- 
parently good reason for civil war ; else the people 
who were at heart right, would desert them at a 
time when they were most needed. The time for 
the inauguration of civil war was therefore most 
fitly chosen. The people were made to believe that 
the inauguration of President Lincoln was a suffi- 
cient reason ; and thus the dream of thirty years of 
these disunionists was at last realized. The apology 
for the war had been substituted for its cause, and 
the mass of the Southern people made eager to meet 
those on bloody fields whom they were led to sup- 
pose were about to deprive them of their rights and 
precipitate them into ruin. 

There is always a class styled the nobility in every 



A EECOED. 17 

nation. But the true nobility in America is that 
class who have won that distinction by noble deeds ; 
who a8-e great, not in titles and garters of nobility, 
but in great achievements : not that class who base 
their right to that title upon the number and charac- 
ter of human beings they may own. The American 
people hold that distinction must be given to those 
by whom it is merited ; and that it cannot be the 
subject of monopoly. Each person, however mean 
his birth, has the same right to enter the list for the 
prize as he who was born of a higher rank. It is 
this freedom, which is given to all, that has caused 
the Northern States to make such rapid progress to- 
wards civilization and greatness ; and it is the crip- 
pling of this great principle that has cast a shadow 
over the enslaved South. One great object of the 
leaders of the South had been to arrest the rapid 
growth of the North, which, they were conscious, 
would one day throw them into a helpless minority, " 
for they could not themselves keep pace with this 
rapid progress. Their ambition was to have capital 
control labor, while the laboring classes were to be 
subservient to the capitalists, and a sort of serfdom 
forced upon them. The wealthy class were to live 
in luxury and indolence upon the unrequited toil of 
their slaves. These facts, the leaders of the wicked 
rebellion, which they were to inaugurate, were care- 
ful to conceal from their followers. This was so well 



18 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT: 

done, that tlie people of the South thought that these 
imaginary wrongs of the Government, which had 
been pictured to them by their masters, was the true 
reason of their attempt at separation from the Union. 
It is hoped that the masses will soon see the differ- 
ence between serving a privileged class of aristocrats, 
and being members of a free Republic. 



A RECORD. 19 



CHAPTEE II. 

The President's call for troops. — Organization of the 
Seventh. — Its departure for Camp Dennison. — Its re- 
organization AND DEPARTXTRE FOB THE FIELD. 

On Monday, April 15, the President issued a call 
for 75,000 volunteers for three months' service. The 
States responded immediately to this call in double 
the number required. N^ever in the history of the 
world was such a response witnessed to the call of 
any country. Men left their implements of hus- 
bandry in the fields and rushed to the recruiting 
stations. The executives of the States were pressed 
with aj^plications to raise companies and batteries 
under the call of the President. 

Under this call thirteen regiments of infantry 
were assigned to Ohio. In fifteen days 71,000 
troops were offered to Governor Dennison to fill the 
quota of the State. Camps were now established at 
different points in the State, and troops ordered to 
rendezvous. Camp Taylor, at Cleveland, Ohio, was 
organized on the 22d day of April, and by the 27tli 
contained several thousand troops. Of these, the 
city of Cleveland had three companies of infantry ; 



20 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

Trumbull County, one; Mahoning County, one com- 
pany of infantry and a section of artillery ; Portage 
County, two ; Lake County, one ; Lorain County, one ; 
Huron County, one ; while the city of Toledo was rep- 
resented by an entire regiment. The latter part of 
April these detached companies were formed into a 
regiment, constituting the Seventh Ohio. It -con- 
tained the right material for a fighting regiment. 
The majority of its members were of a floating class, 
fond of adventure, while many were of the best class. 
The regiment, as a whole, combined rare military 
talent. Many of its officers and privates were 
skilled in tactics; and those who were not, immedi- 
ately set themselves about acquiring the necessary 
information, rather by practice than study ; for, 
with some exceptions, it was not a scholarly regi- 
ment. The members took too much the character 
of adventurers, to indulge in close study or profound 
thinking. But for practical purposes, I doubt 
whether the regiment had a superior in the State. 
It readily acquired discipline while on duty; but 
while off duty, its members were not over-nice in 
their conduct, seldom indulging in sports that were 
absolutely wrong, but, at the same time, gratifying 
that propensity for fun which characterized them 
through their entire career. It contained no drones ; 
there was no companionship in it for such. 

On a beautifid Sabbath in early May, as the 



A EECOED. 21 

morning, with its freshness, was dispelling the clamps 
and shadows of the night from city and country, a 
regiment was seen passing do^v^l the streets of the 
city of Cleveland. The sweet strains of music and 
the heavy tramp of the soldiers alone hroke the 
silence. There was nothing but this martial bearing, 
which marked the carriage of the members of the 
regiment, to distinguish them from the multitude 
which was hastening in the same direction ; for 
there were no arms and no uniforms. Each mem- 
ber was dressed in his citizen's garb, and there was 
no attempt at military evolutions. It was a simple 
march of determined men to the defence of their 
country. Solemnity and a becoming absence of un- 
necessary enthusiasm marked the occasion with sub- 
limity and grandeur. The faces of those brave men 
were saddened with the thought of the perils which 
lay before them, and the endearments that were be- 
hind. They were marching to perform a sacred 
trust, confided to them by their countrymen. " This 
was the first march of the gallant Seventh." Ar- 
riving at the depot of the Cleveland, Columbus, and 
Cincinnati Railroad, it took a train of cars for Camp 
Dennison, where it arrived in the afternoon of the 
next day. Here they were totally unprepared to re- 
ceive it, no barracks having been erected, although 
one hundred men had been sent there for that pur- 
pose several days previous. The ground was per- 



22 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT! ' 

fectly saturated with water from a three days' rain, 
and the camp in what had been a cornfield. But 
notwithstanding these difficulties, by sunset the regi- 
ment had constructed barracks, and were compara- 
tively comfortable. In a few days the companies 
began to drill in earnest, and their advancement was 
correspondingly rapid. 

On the 11th day of May the regiment was ordered 
to elect, by ballot, three field-officers. Tlie candidates 
for colonel were, E. B. Tyler, of Ravenna,- a former 
brigadier of militia, and James A. Garfield. The 
fonner was elected. Garfield afterwards became 
colonel of the Forty-second regiment, and, in com- 
mand of a brigade, defeated Humphrey Marshall in 
Kentucky, for which he was given a star. Captain 
W. E.. Creighton was elected lieutenant-colonel, and 
J. S. Casement, of Painesville, major. 

On the 13th day of May, the President having 
issued a call for 42,032 volunteers for three years, a 
meeting was held in the Seventh Regiment, when all 
but one of the officers were in favor of org-anizins: 
under this call. The subject being brought before 
the regiment on the following day, about three- 
fourths of the command enlisted for the three years' 
service. Recruiting officers were sent home, and by 
the middle of June the regiment was full. It was 
mustered into the three years' service on the 19th 
and 20th of Jime. 



A EECOED. 23 

The companies were officered as follows : Company 
A, O. J. Crane, captain ; A. C. Burgess, first-lieu- 
tenant; D. A. Kimball, second-lieutenant. Com- 
pany B, James T. Sterling, captain; Joseph B. 
Molyneaux, first-lieutenant; H. Z. Eaton, second- 
lieutenant. Company C, Giles W. Shurtliff, cap- 
tain ; Judson If. Cross, first-lieutenant ; E. Hudson 
Baker, second-lieutenant. Company D, John N. 
Dyer, captain; Charles- A. Weed, first-lieutenant; 
A. J. Williams, second-lieutenant. Company E, 
John W. Sprague, captain ; Arthuj* T. Wilcox, first- 
lieutenant; Ralph Lockwood, second-lieutenant. 
Company F, D. B. Clayton, captain ; John B. 
Rouse, first-lieutenant; A. C. Day, second-lieuten- 
ant. Company G, F. A. Seymour, captain; W. II. 
Kobinson, first-lieutenant; E. S. Quay, second-lieu- 
tenant. Company H, Joel F. Asper, captain ; Geo. 
L. Wood, first-lieutenant ; Halbert B. Case, second- 
lieutenant. Company I, W. E.. Sterling, captain ; 
Samuel McClelland, first-lieutenant ; E. F. Fitch, 
second-lieutenant. Company K, * John F. Schutte, 
captain; Oscar W. Sterl, first-lieutenant; C. A. 
Nitchelra, second-iieutenant. H. K. Gushing was 
appointed surgeon, and F. Salter assistant surgeon. 
John Morris was appointed quartermaster, Louis 
G. De Forest, adjutant, and Rev. F. T. Brown, 
chaplain. 

Camp Dennison was well calculated for a camp of 



24 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

instruction. It is separated into two parts by the 
track of the Little Miami Railroad, while the river of 
the same name flows along its border. It is situated 
between sloping hills of some magnitude, in a 
slightly undulating valley. In summer it is beauti- 
ful; in winter, gloomy. 

Soon after being mustered into service, the regi- 
ment was reyiewed by George B. McClellan, then 
major-general of Ohio militia, commanding the De- 
partment of the Ohio. Immediately after, we were 
ordered to join his forces in the field. 

x\ccordingly, on the afternoon of the 26th of June, 
the regiment took the cars for Columbus, Ohio, un- 
der command of Lieutenant-Colonel Creighton, Col- 
onel Tyler having gone in advance. Arriving in 
Columbus late at night, it was transferred to the 
Central Ohio Railroad, arriving at Bell air in the 
afternoon of the succeeding day. It was immedi- 
ately ordered across the river to Benwood, a small 
station on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, a few 
miles below Wheeling. Here the regiment was, for 
the first time, supplied with ammunition. It en- 
camped on the common, after the pieces were loaded. 
Much fatigued by their long ride, the men threw 
themselves upon the hard ground, and were soon 
enjo3'ing a sound sleep. 

In the mean time Major Casement was super- 
intending the transportation of the baggage and 



A RECOKD. 25 

supplies across the river to a train of cars in 
waiting. 

Here and there the dusky forms of men were 
seen grouped over the fires, which were dimly burn- 
ing, discussing the stories which were floating about 
camp, with no apparent starting place, of am- 
buscades, masked batteries, and other concealed 
horrors. 

Early on the morning of the 28th of June, three 
trains of cars were slowly conveying the regiment 
into the wilds of Western Virginia, where war, in 
its madness, was to confront it. 

It arrived at Grafton early in the afternoon, and 
taking the Parkersburg branch of the railroad, it ar- 
rived at Clarksburg before the close of the day, and 
encamped in the outskirts of the village. The entire 
regiment occupied tents, which were looked upon 
with much more favor than densely crowded bar- 
racks. 

While encamped at this place, a stand of colors 
was presented to the regiment, the gift of the Turn- 
ers, a society of Germans in Cleveland. 

Near thirty miles from the village of Clarksburg 
is the small hamlet of Weston, then a notorious 
liaunt for rebels. In the place was a bank, in which 
the deposits, to the amount of about thirty thousand 
dollars, still remained. The authorities were de- 
sirous of procuring this treasm'e. The undertaking 



26 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT : 

was intrusted to the Seventh. It was proposed to 
surprise the town early in the morning, before any 
one was astir to give the alarm. 

In the afternoon of the last day of June, tlie regi- 
ment wound its way through the village, across the 
river, on to what is called the Clarksburg pike, 
leading to Weston. The day was intensely hot, 
and the men entirely unused to marching. At sun- 
set but little distance had been made, and all were 
much fatigued, but still the gallant band pressed 
onward. Weary and footsore, it moved on till day- 
light, when some considerable distance intervened 
between it and the village. Men were beginning 
to fall out by the wayside, unable to proceed fur- 
ther. At this unfortunate moment the river ap- 
peared in view, which makes a bend to tlie road, 
about a mile from Weston. On the opposite side 
of the road was a gradual slope of cultivated land, 
with here and there a clump of trees. From be- 
hind one of these a man was seen to emerge, and 
being taken for one of the enemy's scouts, the com- 
mand was given to " fire," Avhen several pieces 
were discharged, without injury, however, to the 
object of their aim. A double-quick was now or- 
dered, when the men, unable to proceed with their 
knapsacks, scattered them along the road. 

Arriving at the town the rio;ht wins; made a detour 
to the left, while the left wing made a similar one to 



A RECORD. 27 

right, deploying as tliey went. In tins manner the 
village was entirely surrounded. The first intima- 
tion the citizens had of the presence of the military 
was the playing of the '- Star Spangled Banner " by 
the band stationed in the park. A guard was placed 
over the bank, and a member of the regiment de- 
tailed to look to the business. 

The Union citizens were overjoyed at the presence 
of the Federal forces. They prepared a breakfast 
for the entire regiment, and other charitable acts, 
which attested their devotion to the Union cause. 
The regiment encamped on the bank of the river, 
near the cemetery. 

During the first days of our stay at Weston many 
arrests were made of "disloyal citizens, a few of whom 
were sent to Columbus, Ohio, to await the action of 
the Federal Government. 

At this time a small force, under command of 
Lieutenant-Colonel Pond, of the Seventeenth Ohio 
Yolunteers, was besieged at Glenville, a small village 
on the banks of the Little Kanawha, by a superior 
force of rebels, under command of Major Patton, as- 
sisted by Captain O. Jennings Wise. Companies H 
and B were sent to his relief After a fatiguing 
march of two days and one night they opened com- 
munication with Colonel Pond, the rebels withdraw-, 
ing at their approach. 

Six more companies of the regiment arrived at 



28 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT: 

GlenviUe on the following day, Colonel Tyler being 
fearful tliat the first detachment might meet with a 
reverse. Several other regiments arrived ahont the 
same time, but left soon after. 

During the stay of the regiment at this place, 
many scouting expeditions were sent out ; on which 
occasions many dangers and hardships were encoun- 
tered. 

Just before our arrival at GlenviUe, a Union lady 
rode in the saddle through the rebel camp, with the 
stars and stripes in one hand and a pistol in the 
other, while she defied the rebel host. Being pur- 
sued, she sought refuge in our camp, and finally ac- 
companied the advance of our forces to her home, 
with the proud satisfaction of seeing the old banner 
once more planted on her native soil. During the 
progress of the war she had suffered many perils. 
At one time she went to visit her brother, who was 
concealed in the woods, for the purpose of giving 
him food, when she was challenged by a rebel picket. 
She wheeled her horse, and, by hard riding, escaped, 
the rebel bullets passing harmlessly over her head. 

Private Adams, of Company C, was wounded 
while on picket, being the first casualty in the regi 
ment produced by the enemy. About the same timo 
Captain Shurtliff'had a horse shot from under him, 
while riding in the vicinity of the camp, and within 
the Federal lines. 



A EECORD. 29 

Some difficulty was experienced at this place in 
procuring supplies. The regiment was fed for some 
time on corn meal and fresh beef. A mill, however, 
was soon set in operation, and supplies of flour and 
meal were furnished in abundance. 



30 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT : 



CHAPTEK III. 

The puesuit of General "Wise. — Ttlee oedeeed to menace 
Gatjxky Beidge and thbeaten "Wise's communications. 

On the lltli day of July General Rosecrans, by 
order of General McClellan, marclied his brigade 
eiglit miles through a mountain-path to the rear of 
the rebel force, occupying the crest of Rich Moun- 
tain, commanded by Colonel Pegram. This move- 
ment resulted in the fighting of the battle of that 
name. The rebels were completely defeated, and 
made a precipitate retreat towards Carrick's Ford, 
where, on the 13th, they were again routed, with the 
loss of their general. 

In the mean time the rebel General "Wise had oc- 
cupied the Kanawha Yalley, with a few regular 
troops and a considerable force of militia. 

The advance of this force extended as far down 
the river as Buffalo, while numerous incursions were 
made by the rebel cavalry in the vicinity of Point 
Pleasant, a village situated at the junction of the 
Kanawha with the Ohio River. 

To oppose this force General Cox was sent with a 



A EECORD. 31 

brigade of Ohio troops. His main force passed up 
tlie river in boats, while a sufficient force was kept 
on each flank to prevent surprise. 

General Wise gradually retired at the advance of 
this force until, arriving on the banks of Scarey 
Creek, he threw up some breastworks, and awaited 
the approach of the Union troops. 

While these movements were being executed in 
the valley, Colonel Tyler was ordered to advance 
with a brigade by the way of Sutton, to menace 
Gauley Bridge, and threaten Wise's communications. 

On the 22d of July the Seventh Regiment moved 
out of Glenville, on what is called the Braxton road, 
towards Bulltown, where it was to be joined by Colo- 
nel Tyler with the Seventeenth Ohio, two companies 
of the First Virginia, with Captain Mack's battery, 
United States Artillery, and Captain Snyder's sec- 
tion of twelve-pounders, making a force of fifteen 
hundred. 

We arrived at Bulltown in the evening of the 
next day, meeting with no resistance from the 
rebels, who were scattered in small parties through 
this entire region of country. We had expected to 
meet with opposition at the ford, on the Little Kan- 
awha, some twenty miles from Glenville, but with 
the exception of a small band of guerillas, who 
were very careful to keep the river between our- 
selves and them, we saw no rebels. 



32 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT: 

It was not until tlie evening of the 2oth that we 
broke camp, and then to cross a range of hills only, 
into the yalley of the Elk, where we remained until 
the 27th of July. 

At this camp we learned of a rebel force at Flat 
"Woods, distant six miles, in the direction of Sutton. 
On the 27th we moved out, in a heavy rain, to 
attack their camp, but at our approach they fled in 
dismay. 

We remained at Flat Woods till the following 
Sunday, when we moved on to Sutton, a distance of 
ten miles. 

Sutton, the county-seat of Braxton County, is 
situated at the base of a high range of hills, on the 
right bank of the Elk River. The river is crossed 
by a suspension bridge. Back of the village, and 
about two hundred feet above it, is a fine table 
land, with a range of hills for a back ground. This 
table land was to be approached only by a narrow 
defile fronting the river, which was easily defended ; 
for a battery properly planted would command 
every approach for a mile around ; besides, the 
enemy would have to cross the Elk River under 
fire. Nature had made the position a strong 
one. 

The command, now swelled to about two thou- 
sand, encamped on this table land, with the two 
companies of the First Yirginia, and Mack's Bat- 



A RECOED. 33 

teiy thrown forward across the river, to keep open 
the road in front. 

The command at once proceeded to erect fortifi- 
cations, Captain Asper being sent to the front of 
Captain Mack's position on the Summerville pike, 
with instructions to select a proper position, after 
which to erect a fortification commanding the road. 
Finding a point where the road makes a sharp angle, 
the captain constructed the work, which, although 
of no account during the stay of the regiment at 
Sutton, afterwards proved a good point of defence, 
when the weak garrison stationed there was at- 
tacked. 

The second day of August, the regiment left 
Sutton, and crossing the river again advanced 
towards Gauley Bridge. The day was one of the 
hottest, which, added to the hilly nature of the 
country, made the advance difiicult. Both ofiicers 
and men fell out of the line, unable to proceed, 
being so oppressed by the heat, and wearied by the 
difiicult state of the roads. At night we had 
crossed but one range of hills, and found ourselves 
in the valley of the Little Birch River, at the foot 
of Birch Mountain. 

The following morning we again took up the line 
of march, reaching the Great Birch River at early 
twilight, having made but a few miles during the 

day. 

3* 



34 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT: 

In the afternoon we were joined by oar chaplain, 
who, when we were at Glenville, vohniteered to 
make his way across the country with a message to 
General Cox. And now, after an absence of more 
than two weeks, on a perilous message, he M'as again 
with us, as fresh and light-hearted as when he left 
for his daring enterprise. He joined us by the way 
of Ganley Bridge, having been the first to make 
the trip. Alone, through a country infested by 
murderous bands of guerrillas and outlaws, he trav- 
eled more than a hundred and fifty miles. Before 
such deeds of individual heroism, all but the grand- 
eur and magnitude of large battles fade into ob- 
scurity. In such single exploits there is a stern, 
silent daring, that obscures the maddened bravery 
of a battle-field. 

From our chaplain we learned that General Wise 
had left the valley, burning the bridge over the 
Gauley River, after crossing his command. He 
had become frightened and fled. And thus the 
rebel general, who at Charleston had said : " By 
G — , the stars and stripes shall never wave over this 
town again ;" on the Wednesday following ex- 
claimed : "The enemy are on us, wh}-- the h — 11 
don't you pack my wagon," and, taking counsel of 
his fears, fled in dismay. 

But let us return to the Seventh Regiment, which 
we left at its camp near the Big Birch River. 



A RECORD. 35 

On the morning of August 6, we broke camp, 
and taking a mountain road arrived at Summerville 
on the following "Wednesday, and encamped on 
Addison Hill. 

The country about Summerville is beautiful iu 
the extreme. It is slightly undulating, having 
more the appearance of an open country, or in 
some respects a prairie, than of a valley between 
two very high ridges. It is sufficiently rolling to 
hide the mountains which separate the Gauley from 
the Elk Kiver. 

At our former camp we were surrounded by very 
high, precipitous mountains, with large rocks pro- 
jecting from their summits. After passing over 
Powell Mountain, we came into the valley of the 
Gauley, and after marching a short distance, en- 
tirely lost sight of these mountains, over whose 
rocky crests we had, but a short time before, pur- 
sued our slow and weary way. 

The contrast between this camp and the one at 
Bio: Birch was striking. Here we were reminded 
of Ohio, our native State, the one which had more 
attractions for us than any other ; while at the latter 
camp we were constantly reminded of some lonely 
country, described only by the novelist, and in- 
habited alone by robbers and outlaws. And yet, 
upon this mountain region, nature was lavish with 
her charms. The scenery is grand beyond descrip- 



36 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT! 

tion. Peak after peak rises, one above another, 
until the tired eye grows dim in its endeavor to 
trace the outlines of the distant mountain, and seeks 
the beautiful valley, wherein to restore its lost 
vision. 

From the top of Powell's Mountain, the beauty 
of the scenery is lost sight of in its magnificence. 
This mountain is the highest in "Western Virginia, 
and commands the finest view. The first time I 
ascended it was on horseback. When near the top 
we struck into a bridle path, and, urging our horses 
into a gallop, we were soon at the base of the pro- 
jecting rocks. Below, a lovely panorama was open 
to our view. The side of the mountain, as well as 
the distant valley, seemed covered with a carpet of 
green, for both were densely wooded, and in the 
distance the foliage seemed to blend with the eartli. 
We could see far away into the smaller valleys, and 
from them trace the ravines, in which the small 
rivulets make their merry descent from the side of 
the mountain. 

At last, tired of gazing at this beautiful spot in 
nature's varied scenery, we again urged our horses 
forward, and, after partially winding around the 
mountain, we were at the very summit of this mass 
of earth, rocks, and herbage. We now obtained a 
view of tlie opposite side of the mountain from 
which we had ascended, where beauty expands into 



A EECOED. 37 

sublimity. We could plainly trace tlie course of 
the Kanawha River, as on its banks the mountains 
rise higher, and are more abrupt, while beyond 
they lessen into hills, and the hills waste into a 
valley. On the side of the distant hills we could 
see an occasional farm, with its fields of golden 
grain ready for the harvest. On the very top of 
this mountain was living a family. 

Notwithstanding their great height, these moun- 
tains seemed fertile ; and the farms are apparently 
as good as those in the valley. Springs frequently 
make their way out of the rocks by the roadside. 
Water is abundant in any part of these mountains, 
and springs more common than in the valley. 

Near the top of Powell's Mountain, in a kind of 
basin, is a very line farm. It is well watered, and 
well timbered, and quite fertile. The owner lives 
and flourishes in this quiet home, and, I should say, 
is quite as happy as if in a city. He htis become 
accustomed to the loneliness of his mountain retreat. 
The wild scenery has become familiar — its very 
wildness has a charm. He is content with two 
visits each year to the distant settlement. It is 
literally true that " home is where the heart is." 

Although this country was well supplied with 
provisions of every kind, we were not allowed to 
appropriate any of it. The property of rebels was 
considered sacred. The authorities were confident 



38 THE SEVENTH KEGIMENT: 

of putting down the rebellion through clemency, 
and, therefore, were both ready and willing to put 
our soldiers upon half rations, rather than incur the 
ill-will of traitors. When prisoners were captured, 
they had what was called an oath of allegiance 
administered to them, when they were liberated, to 
again rob and plunder. Occasionally we captured 
a horse, but it was invariably given up, on the 
owner taking this oath of allegiance. In view of 
this moderate method of dealing with them, they 
risked nothing in prowling about our lines, for they' 
knew that they had only to take this oath to procure 
an honorable discharge ; while the soldiers of the 
Federal army, if they stole but an onion to make a 
piece of hard bread palatable, were subjected to 
the severest punishments. Experience has finally 
taught US, that hard blows alone will conquer a re- 
bellion, and that to reduce a foe, starvation is quite 
as good as the bayonet. 

I do not know that any one w^as criminal in this 
early practice of clemency towards rebels ; it seemed 
rather to be a sort of national weakness, growing 
out of the nniversal opinion that the rebellion was, 
at the greatest, but a weak effort of a deluded 
people ; and that kindness, connected with a show^ 
of strength, rather than its exercise, would induce 
them to return to their former allegiance. It seems 
to be, at this day, of little consequence why this 



A RECORD. 39 

practice prevailed, or who was responsible for it, 
as it has almost entirely ceased. 

On the lltli day of August, Captain John W. 
Sprague was given a leave of absence, to go to his 
home, and was intrusted with dispatches to General 
Rosecrans. He was to proceed by the M'ay of 
Sutton and Clarksburg. When near the Big 
Birch Biver he w^as suddenly confronted by a band 
of rebel cavalry, belonging to Colonel Croghan's 
Second Georgia Begiment, who was not far from 
the spot, with his entire command. The mail 
carrier and two dragoons, who accompanied Captain 
Sprague, attempted to make their escape ; only one, 
however, was successful ; the mail carrier receiving 
a mortal wound in the attempt. 

Securing their prisoners, the rebel cavalry crossed 
the Gauley Biver, and were soon out of reach of 
the Federal forces. An unsuccessful attempt was 
made to rescue the captors ; but infantry, of course, 
could make but a fruitless attempt at recapturing 
prisoners in the hands of well-mounted cavalry. 

This occurrence spread a gloom over the entire 
camp. One of the best officers of the regiment 
had been captured almost within our lines, and 
borne away to a Southern prison, to endure the 
privations of prison life, with the fond anticipation 
of seeing home and friends blighted and withered. 
To be lost to one's country, within the prison walls 



40 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

of her enemies, when the arm of every true patriot 
is needed in her defence, is a sad fate. 

I am not inclined to blame any one for this un- 
fortunate occurrence, though it may occur to the 
mind of the reader that good generalship would re- 
quire that the commandant of a body of troops, in 
the heart of an enemy's country, should know 
whether or not the cavalry of that enemy was 
hanging on his flank and rear, A.nd then, again, it 
may be urged with truth that the command was 
almost entirely without cavalry, though it was fur- 
nished with one company, as well as one of Snake 
Hunters, as they were called. The legitimate busi- 
ness in the army of the latter was scouting. They 
had no other duty to perform. 

But however these facts may be, yet true it is 
that a regiment of the enemy's regular cavalry was 
not only hanging on the flank of our column, but 
occupied our rear — thus severing our communica- 
tions, and cutting off our supplies. 

On the 15th day of August we again moved for- 
ward, after first sending a company down to Hugh's 
Ferry. We proceeded through a densely wooded 
country, abounding in laurel and pau-pau, arriving 
at Cross Lanes, two and a half miles from Carnifex 
Ferry, on the Gauley Iwiver, in time to prepare our 
camp before night. 

Soon after our arrival Captain Schutte, of Com- 



A EECOED. 41 

panj K, was on picket duty at Carnifex Ferry. 
During the day the captain, for some unknown 
reason, conceived the idea of a scout across the 
river. Selecting fourteen of his men, he crossed 
over to the opposite bank, and, taking tlie main 
road, immediately pushed into the country. The 
march was made, apparently, without any aj^pre- 
hension of the presence of an enemy ; at least, no 
steps appear to have been taken to prevent a sur- 
prise. All went well, however, until the party had 
made a distance of several miles, when, the first in- 
timation they had of danger, they were fired upon 
by a party of cavalry, concealed in an adjacent 
thicket, and all but four of the party killed or 
wounded — Captain Schutte being wounded mor- 
tally. The survivors conveyed him to an old build- 
ing, and, at his own request, left him. He expired 
soon after, and was buried on the spot by the rebels. 
The four men fled towards the river, and, being pur- 
sued, took to the woods. One, being separated 
from his companions, Avas pursued to the bank of 
the river, and was only saved by throwing himself 
into the stream from the projecting rocks. He con- 
cealed his body under water, keeping sufficient of 
his face above to sustain life. He could plainly 
distinguish the conversation of the rebels, and 
knew by it that they were in search of him. Here 
he remained during the day, and at night dragged 



42 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT: 

himself upon the rocks. The next morning, tired 
and hungry, he floated himself down stream by- 
clinging to the almost perpendicular rocks, until, 
arriving opposite a house, he was hailed by a 
woman, to whom he made known his condition. 
She immediately unfastened a canoe, and, paddling 
directly across the river to where he was lying, half 
famished in the water, helped him over its sides, 
and conveyed him to the other shore. Before they 
landed, however, the rebels discovered them, and 
gave the order to " halt." It not being obeyed, 
they fired, the bullets sinking harmlessly into the 
water. In a moment the two were lost to view in 
the pau-pau, which lined the river bank. The 
•woman guided the soldier to her home, where she 
cared for him during a short illness, which suc- 
ceeded his escape. When he was sufliciently re- 
covered to join his command, he found the regi- I 
ment had abandoned Cross Lanes, which had been 
occupied by the rebel forces. He returned to his 
former retreat, where he was concealed until the 
day of the disaster to the Seventh, when, taking 
advantage of the confusion into which the rebel 
forces were thrown during the affair, he escaped 
towards Gauley Bridge, which place he reached in 
safety the following day. 



A RECORD. 43 



CHAPTEK lY. 

The skiemish at Cross Lanes. — Gallant condtjot and ftnal 

ESCAPE OF THE SEVENTH ReGIMENT. 

The occupation of Cross Lanes was considered 
by the authorities of the gravest importance. It 
was contiguous to three fords on the Gauley River, 
which, wlien possessed by the Federal forces, was a 
perfect protection to the left of the army occupying 
Gauley Bridge. Carnifex Ferry was immediately 
south two and one-half miles. There was a road 
leading from the vicinity of Gauley Bridge, on the 
south bank of the Gauley River, which unites with 
the Sunday road, crossing the river at this ferry. 
This road afforded the enemy a means of gaining 
the left of our forces, at Gauley Bridge. The occu- 
pation of Cross Lanes, therefore, by the enemy, 
would sever the communication between our forces 
at the above point, and the main army under 
Rosecrans, occupying the country from the Balti- 
more and Ohio Railroad, along Cheat Mountain. 

Carnifex Ferry, was a point easily defended 
against a much superior force. Indeed, it had so 



44 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT. 

many natural defences, that it elicited exclamations 
of surprise from men accustomed to the selection of 
places for defence. The current of the river was 
rapid, Mdiile the abrupt rocks on its banks afforded 
secure hiding places for a considerable body of 
troops. It was quite impossible to bring artillery 
to bear in such a manner on the position as to 
interfere materially with troops concealed there. 
It seems to be the opinion of most persons familiar 
with the place, that it would be quite impossible to 
dislodge a body of troops properly posted on the 
north bank of the river at this ferry, jDrovided a 
stubborn resistance was made. 

It was for the purpose of preventing the crossing 
of the enemy at this point that the force of Colonel 
Tyler was ordered to Cross Lanes. By keeping 
pickets well on the line of the river, to watch any 
advance of the enemy, the regiment was entirely 
safe at its camp, from whicli it was comparatively 
easy to re-enforce any portion of the line. But for 
some reason, the commanding officer failed to visit 
the ferry in person, until the afternoon of the day 
on which a peremptory order was received to report 
with his command at Gauley Bridge. Hitherto he 
had been entirely unable to give correct informa- 
tion, as to the probability of his being able to hold 
the ferry. He was ordered to abandon the position, 
because his dispatches were such, that they created 



A K E C O R D . 45 

an uneasiness in the minds of Generals Rosecrans 
and Cox, as to the proprietj of trustino- him to hold 
so important a position. Here was the fatal mis- 
take. A lesser error had already been made, in 
withdrawing all the forces from Tyler, other than 
the Seventh. Had these forces remained, the posi- 
tion would probabl}^ not have been abandoned, as 
all wonld have felt secure. When the order to 
withdraw was received, the commanding officer 
regretted it as much as any one. But the mischief 
was already done ; the order was imperative. On 
that evening, Monday, the regiment left Cross 
Lanes at 11 o'clock p. m., and the next day, by noon, 
was at Twenty Mile Creek, some eight miles from 
Gauley Bridge. 

On the Wednesday morning following, Colonel 
Tyler reported in person to General Cox. In the 
mean time, the general having become satisfied 
that Colonel Tyler could be trusted to hold Cross 
Lanes, and being confident that the contemplated 
attack of the enemy on Gauley Bridge had been 
abandoned, ordered him to return as soon as the 
troops were rested, expecting him to start back, at 
least the next morning. But Tyler did not move. 
On Friday afternoon, General Cox, on learning 
that he had not moved, was much excited, and said 
to an officer present — 

" He must move ; he must move at once ; it is 



46 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

all important that Cross Lanes be held, and Floyd 
be kept on the other side of the river ; ride 
back to camp and tell him from me, to move early 
in the morning, and with speed, to secure the 
'position?'' 

The order was delivered in nearly the same 
language as given, but notwithstanding its direct- 
ness, he did not move till noon on Saturday, and 
then made a distance of only fourteen miles, over 
good roads, encamping at the foot of Panther 
Mountain, after having fallen back from Peter's 
Creek, on learning of the presence of the enemy. 

On arriving in camp, a dispatch was sent to 
General Cox, representing to him that the enemy 
were in force in front, and asking instructions. On 
Sunday morning at about 3 o'clock, a courier 
arrived with an order from General Cox, substan- 
tially as follows : The force in your front cannot 
be as large as you estimate it. Advance cautiously, 
feeling your way ; if the enemy is too strong, fall 
back, if not, occupy Cross Lanes at once, as it is of 
the utmost importance. 

About nine o'clock Sunday morning, August 25th, 
the regiment moved towards Cross Lanes, casting 
lots as to which company should be left in charge 
of the baggage. It fell upon Company F, which 
was temporarily commanded \)^' Lieutenant Kim- 
ball. The entire day was occupied in reaching 



AEECOED. 47 

Cross Lanes. It was not until dark of that day 
that the regiment went into camp. 

In the days' advance some slight skirmishing oc- 
curred with the enemy's cavalry videttes, but be- 
yond these few horsemen no enemy was encoun- 
tered, the regiment encamping in apparent security 
near the church, after having driven away a cavalry 
picket of the enemy. 

Companies were sent out on picket, as follows : 
Company A, on the road leading to Summerville ; 
Company K, on the road leading to Carnifex Ferry ; 
Company C, on the road leading in the opposite di- 
rection, while Company E was sent on a diagonal 
road leading to a ferry some distance below Carni- 
fex. The balance of the command remained near 
headquarters, which were established in the church. 

Each company on picket was divided into three 
reliefs, with instructions to be vigilant. 

The silence of the enemy, together with his neg- 
lect to attack, created the impression that he had 
withdrawn his forces to the other side of the river, 
fearing that this small force was but the advance of 
a well-equipped army. But these theories were des- 
tined to fade into sadder realities, as the shadows of 
night melted into morning. 

l!Tothing occurred during the night to disturb the 
general repose. A short time before day fires were 
kindled, and those who were up had pieces of meat 



4:8 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

on sticks, which they were roasting. Some had ob- 
tained green corn during the night, which they 
were also roasting. Before daj^ had fairly dawned, 
the command was almost entirely astir. As it be- 
came sufficiently light to distinguish objects at a 
considerable distance, sev^eral musket shots were 
heard in the direction of the river, followed in quick 
succession by others. It soon became evident that 
a determined attack was being made on Company 
K. About this time a column of rebels was seen 
advancing from the river road, across the fields, to- 
wards Company A's position on the Summerville 
road. Arriving in the vicinity of this road, the col 
umn halted, formed in line of battle, at the same 
time swinging round its right to the Summerville 
road, driving Company A back to the point where 
the roads cross. In the mean time Companies B, D, 
G, H, and I were ordered to the support of Com 
pany K; but on arriving at the cross roads, Compa- 
ny K was seen falling back in some confusion, be- 
fore a superior force, therefore they remained at 
that point. Meanwhile a heav}^ fire was opened 
from a dense wood opposite the church, to resist 
which Company K, having been joined by Compa- 
nies A and C, which had advanced to its support 
on the ferry road, took position on a hill midway 
between this belt of timber and the crossing of the 
roads. From this point these companies delivered 



AEECOED. 49 

several effective volleys, which soon drove the reb- 
els from tlieir position. Taking advantage of this 
partial check of the enemy, Captain Crane ordered 
a charge, which resulted in piercing the lines, and 
the capture of a stand of rebel colors. The three 
companies now escaped, with a loss, however, of 
Captain Shurtliff, Lieutenant Wilcox, and Lieuten- 
ant Cross, taken prisoners, the latter being severely 
wounded in the arm. 

During this time the rebel column from the di- 
rection of Summerville had advanced so as to lap 
over the road opposite the Ferry road, exposing the 
companies occupying the road in. front of the 
church to an enfilading fire, at the same time being 
exposed to a severe fire from the front, from a col- 
umn of infantry and cavalry coming up the Ferry 
road. These companies were now ordered to rally 
on a hill near the church. Li executing this move- 
ment Companies D and H passed through a corn 
field, exposed to a deadly fire from almost every di- 
rection. Soon after reaching this field Captain 
Dyer, Company D, fell dead, pierced in the 
heart by a rifle bullet. Lieutenant Weed suc- 
ceeded him in command. On reaching the hill 
these companies attempted to rally, but being in an 
open field, combated by a much superior and par- 
tially hidden fue, were compelled to fall back to a 
piece of woods skirting the road. The balance of 

3 



50 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

the coinniantl, other than those who had followed 
the fortunes of Captain Crane, now joined them, 
and soon organized for a systematic retreat. 

Captain Crane and his followers, after putting 
some distance between themselves and the enemy, 
crossed the Gauley road, and hastened to the 
mountains, where they would be entirely free from 
the attacks of cavalry, and where they would have 
a chance, at least, of partially defending themselves 
against attack from the rebel infantry. 

Arriving in the mountains, they took a direction 
as nearly as possible towards Gauley Bridge, where 
they arrived in safety, meeting with little of adven- 
ture on the way. Thus a small body of Federals 
had fought their way out from the very grasp of 
the enemy, and, eluding jDursuit, traversed a moun- 
tain range, with no guide, over rocks and deep 
gorges, arriving safely within the Union lines. 
Their arrival, however, did little to cheer the hearts 
of those in camp, for they were a small body com- 
pared with those still unheard from. 

The news of the sad disaster to the Seventh had 
already been sent to the friends at home ; universal 
gloom had settled over the camp, and the prospect 
looked dark for saving the organization, even, of a 
regiment which was the pride of the Western Re- 
serve. 

A flag of truce was sent to Cross Lanes to as- 



A EECOED. 61 

certain, if possible, the fate of tliose left behind. 
Chaplain Brown and Surgeon Gushing were se- 
lected to undertake this enterprise. Thej, however, 
returned without having accomplished their ob- 
ject. 

One dark, rainy night, as if nature was in sym- 
pathy with the feelings of those in camp, the band 
commenced playing a patriotic air in front of the 
colonel's quarters, accompanied with cheers. I 
knew that this indicated good news. Hastening 
to the spot I learned that a dispatch had just ar- 
rived from Charleston with the comforting news 
that four hundred of the regiment had arrived in 
safety on the Elk River, tw^elve miles from the 
above place. But let us accompany these four 
hundred heroes in their march from the battle- 
field. 

Organizing the troops. Major Casement, being 
first in rank. Colonels Tyler and Creighton having 
already escaped, assumed command. Losing no 
time the detachment immediately took up the line 
of march. Avoiding all highways, and keeping 
well in the timber, they moved on for some time, 
when, considering themselves out of immediate 
danger, they ventured out to the road, to find them- 
selves only three miles from the place of starting. 
It was now concluded that it was not advisable 
to attempt reaching Gauley Bridge, as the enemy 



52 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

would be likely to interpose a considerable body 
of troops between them and that point. It was 
considered to be more practicable to make in the 
direction of Elk River, and by this means reach 
Charleston. This course being adopted, the com- 
mand crossed the road and took to the mountains. 
Very soon after a party of rebel cavalry came dash- 
ing down as if in pursuit, barely missing the object 
of their search. 

The command, aided by a compass, took their 
course over the mountains in a direction which 
they supposed would ultimately lead them to the 
banks of the Elk River. 

During the afternoon Captain W. R. Sterling 
procured a guide, who conducted them by narrow 
pathways, in which they were compelled to march 
single file, towards a house which was situated at 
some distance on the mountain. Kight setting in, 
before reaching the spot, without even a star visi- 
ble to light them on the way, the column halted, 
and passed the word back for a candle. The line 
extended for nearly half a mile, and it was not 
until the last company, 11, had been reached, that 
one was procured. On its arriving at the front, it 
was discovered that the head of the column had 
arrived on the brink of a deep chasm, into which 
it would be sure death to plunge. One step more, 
and the unlucky leader of the line would have been 



A EECORD. 53 

precipitated into the dreadful crater. But these 
daring adventurers "svere spared the misfortune of 
such an accident. 

Two hours of vahiable time having been lost, the 
line now pressed forward, each man holding on to 
the man preceding him. About midnight the 
house was reached, and the weary band laid 
themselves down ; not, however, to sleep, for the 
only provisions they had had during the day 
was roasted corn, for in the morning they were 
attacked while preparing breakfast, which they 
were compelled to abandon. The woman of the 
house was kept cooking the good old-fashioned 
corn-dodger, and by morning the command was 
tolerably well fed, and ready for the toilsome as 
well as hazardous march of the succeeding day. 

As the day again dawned, the line moved on. 
Procuring another guide during the day, they ar- 
rived, in early evening, on the banks of the Elk 
River, without any adventure worth relating. Be- 
fore halting they forded the river, which was, at the 
time, waist deep. Company B was sent out on 
picket, under command of Lieutenant Molyneaux. 
The instructions were to establish a chain of pick- 
ets, at short intervals, along the road leading up the 
river. In case of an attack, the outer picket to 
fire and fall back on the next, when another volley 
was to be delivered, and so continue until the camp 



64 THE SEVENTH KEGIMENT: 

should be finally readied. The position selected 
for the camp ^vas at the base of a range of abrupt 
hills, which were not accessible to cavalry, while 
many difficulties would present themselves in the 
way of a force of infantry advancing to an attack 
from that direction. The river ran at the very foot 
of these hills, too deep to cross in the face of an 
enemy, and sufficiently wide to present a decided 
obstacle in the way of an attacking party on the 
opposite shore. The command felt, therefore, com- 
paratively safe in this retreat. As it afterwards 
proved, they w^ere not mistaken ; for it was ascer- 
tained that, at the time the pickets were being sta- 
tioned, seven hundred rebel cavalry were a short 
distance up the river ; indeed, they were so near 
that a party of rebel officers heard the lieutenant 
give the instructions to the outer picket. One of 
these officers, when afterwards taken prisoner, being 
questioned by Molyneaux as to their reason for not 
attacking, remarked that it would have been quite 
impossible for them to reach the camp in case his 
instructions to the picket should be carried out ; 
and he and his brother-officers agreed in the opin- 
ion, that the orders would be carried out ; for no 
body of troops, after having made so stubborn a 
resistance as at Cross Lanes, would afterwards 
lose all by a want of vigilance or a disobedience 
of orders. True it is that they did not attack, but 



A RECOED. 55 

suffered the camp to remain quiet, and the com- 
mand to move oif at leisure in the morning. 

A dispatch being sent to Charleston, on the fol- 
lowing da}"- a j^rovision-train met them twelve miles 
from the latter place. In due time the command 
arrived at Charleston, weary and foot-sore from 
their lono; and toilsome march. 



56 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT : 



CHAPTER Y. 

EEFLEOTIOISrS OiST THE SkIEMISH AT CeOSS LaNES. — BaTTLE OF 

Caestifex Feeet. 

The occasion for the aifair at Cross Lanes was 
brought about by a series of blunders. The first 
blunder was committed .by the- officer who ordered 
all the forces, with the exception of the Seventh 
Ohio, from a position which enabled them to guard 
the ferries of the Gauley. If it was deemed im- 
portant to hold these ferries at all, it was certainly 
advisable to retain a sufficient force to guard against 
surprise and capture. But then, what would be 
considered a sufficient force ? To settle the question,^ 
it is necessary to take into account the size of the 
army occupying the country, as well as the size of 
that of the enemy. Neither army was large, and 
both were much scattered, scarcely more than a 
brigade occupying one position. A regiment, there- 
fere, may perhaps be considered a sufficient force 
for an outpost. 

The arjny in Western Virginia was at no time 
sufficiently large to accomplish any thing, under the 
best generalship, beyond simply holding the country, 



A EECORD. 67 

and preyenting invasion ; and it was only for the 
M'ant of a moderately sized army that the rebel 
general failed to drive back our forces. But the 
rebel authorities had no men to spare for the pur- 
pose of winning barren victories ; so the armies of 
"Western Virginia were left to watch each other, 
with an occasional skirmish. 

At the time the affair at Cross Lanes took place, 
our army occupied a front of many miles, as did 
also the rebel army. It was qnite impossible to 
collect, in case of emergenc}", more than about six 
thousand men. But, however it may be as to the 
first point, it is clear, secondly, that the commanding 
oflicer at Cross Lanes committed an error in not 
making a personal inspection of the grounds, adja- 
cent to the camp, immediately on his arrival. It is 
always considered highly important that those in 
command should know precisely the ground their 
commands are expected to defend, and not to trust 
to chance or a battle to develop favorable points of 
defence or attack. By reason of this want of know- 
ledge, rumors as to the presence of the enemy in 
force created uneasiness and alarm, which was en- 
tirely natural, although without cause. "While in 
this state of feeling, the commanding oflicer sent 
dispatches to Generals Eosecrans and Cox, which 
created the impression that their author was not to 
be trusted to hold these ferries. Those crenerals 



58 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

attributed this alarm to a want of personal courage, 
thej being well informed as to the strength of the 
position at Cross Lanes. It was not, however, a 
want of courage, but simply a failure on his part to 
understand the real strength of the position, by rea- 
son of not having visited it in person. 

When the order to withdraw came, Colonel Tyler 
regretted it as much as any one ; for he had that 
day examined the position, and knew that he could 
hold it against any force the enemy could bring to 
the attack. But this knowledge was obtained too 
late : lying on his table was a positive order to 
withdraw. Reason said hold the position ; military 
law, which was higher in authority, said abandon 
it ; so the place was evacuated. The third and 
irremediable error was committed in not returning 
to Cross Lanes when ordered. If that had been 
done, the consequences resulting from the with- 
drawal would have been entirely checked. The 
order to return was given on Wednesday, with the 
expectation that it would be acted upon as soon as 
Thursday morning; but it was not until the Sat- 
urday noon following that the command started. 
There was no reason for this delay. The regiment 
had marched but eighteen miles in as many days, 
and could, without any injustice being done it, 
have returned the day the order was given. Even 
had the command moved as late as Friday, with 



A RECORD. 59 

disjjatch, it would not have been too late, as it seems 
to be Avell settled that Flojd did not cross over any 
considerable body of troops until Saturday. 

In the way of criticism on this affair, it has been 
said that, had a spirited dash been made on the 
enemy on Saturday evening, the rebels could have 
been driven across the river. I think this claim 
subject to many doubts. In my opinion a recon- 
noissance should have been made that night, instead 
of falling back to Panther Mountain. This would 
have resulted in the discovery of their position and 
force, and thus given the command an opportunity 
to take advantage of the night to withdraw. Had 
this been done, the ferry might possibly have been 
reached. 

The result of these blunders was the fighting of 
two engagements, with a heavy Federal loss, while 
the enemy suffered less. One of these, Carnifex 
Ferry, has been dignified witli the name of battle, 
while the other is considered but an affair. 

After the repulse of the Seventh, Floyd intrenched 
himself on the bank of the river, near the ferry. 
About two weeks later, " Rosecrans came down 
with his legions," comprising about four thousand 
men. Approaching the vicinity of the ferry, he 
threw forward General Benham's brigade, with no 
design of bringing on an engagement, however ; 
but the line unwittingly advanced to within a short 



60 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT: 

distance of the enemy's works, when a sheet of 
flame shot along their entire line. The unequal 
contest lasted five hours, when the Union forces 
withdrew, hungry and snpperless, with a loss of 
fourteen killed, and one hundred and four wounded. 
The loss of the enemy was about twenty wounded. 

The troops awoke in the morning to find the 
rebel works abandoned. Thus ended the battle 
of Carnifex Ferry, no less a blunder than Cross 
Lanes. 

General Benham was censured for having at- 
tacked their main works, when he was ordered to 
make a reconnoissance only. But when it is un- 
derstood that the commanding general sent up 
reinforcements, the blame, if there was any, at- 
tached itself to him. 

The loss to the Seventh, at Cross Lanes, was one 
killed, twenty wounded, and ninety-six taken pris- 
oners. Several of these were recaptured at Carnifex 
Ferry, when Rosecrans attacked Floyd. Among 
the number was Lieutenant Cross, Company C. 
The loss to the enemy has never been known. 
There is no doubt, however, that it was consider- 
able. They attacked in large numbers, confident 
of an easy victory, therefore very little caution 
attended their movements. But instead of a fla^ 
of truce, accompanied by an ofi'er to surrender, 
they were met by a shower of bullets, w^hicli must 



A KECOED. 61 

have told fearfully on their heavy columns. The 
fact that they were thrown into such confusion as 
to permit our men to escape, shows tliat they were 
too severely punished to follow up their victory. 

The force of Floyd has heen variously estimated: 
some having placed it as high as six thousand ; 
while, in his official report of the engagement at 
Carnifex Ferry, Floyd himself places it at only two 
thousand. His force was probably four thousand, 
of all arms, with ten pieces of artillery. This en- 
tire force mugt have been in the vicinity at the time 
of the affair at Cross Lanes. 

The following is an unofficial list of the less in 
the regiment : 

Killed. — Captain John N. Dyer. 

Wounded. — Corporal Frank Dutton, I:^. J. Holly, 
Thomas Shepley, Thomas J. Scoville, Sergeant H. 
G. Orton, Joseph W. Collins, B. Yeakins, Lewis J. 
Jones, Thomas S. Curran, AVilliam Meriman, B. F. 
Gill, William S. Keed, David M. Daily, Robert J. 
Furguson, James R. Greer, E. J. Kreiger, Sergeant 
James Grebe, John W. Doll, William W. Ritiche, 
Fred. W. Steinbauer. 

The following is a list of those taken prisoners : 

Sergeant W. W. Parmeter, Sergeant E. R. Stiles, 
Sergeant G. C. C. Ketchum, Sergeant F. F. Wil- 
coxson. Sergeant Edward Bohn, Sergeant A. Kol- 
man. Sergeant E. W. Morey, Corporal C. F. Mack, 



62 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT! 

Corporal J. G. Turner, Corporal T. A. Moliler, 
Corporal S. M. Cole, Corporal E. C. Palmer, Cor- 
poral Charles Bersett, Privates Albert Osborn, 
Charles Weber, Alex. Parker, R. Bears, L. Warren, 
A, M. Halbert, II. Keiser, S. B. Kingsbury, E. 
Kennedy, A. Ilubbell, C. C. Quinn, C. Burrows, 

E. Evans, W. H. Scott, C. H. Howard, Charles 
Carrol, T. B. Myers, George Sweet, John Massa, 
J. F. Curtis, W. E. Bartlett, W. Cherry, John 
Bark, John Hann, L. M. Blakesly, Z. Fox, J. 
Butler, F. S. Stillwell, G. W. Downing, G. C. E'ew- 
ton, William Biggs, Mathew Merkle, J. Slieloy, 
11. Huntoon, G. W. Williams, George C. Robinson, 
H. Wessenbock, J. C. Rafferty, J. Snyder, W. W. 
Wheeler, C. Haskell, J. W. Finch, James Johnson, 
H. Johnson, L. C. Logue, A. Scoville, R. Wildson, 

F. Boole, John Miller, P. Jenkins, John Smith, J. 
Wolf, Theodore Burt, A. Schwartz, G. A. Akerman, 
Charles Sahl, G. W. Thompson, F. Williams, M. 
H. W^haley, Z. Larkins, T. Hebbig, Z. A. Fuig, F. 
A. Noble, J. Hettlick, J. McCabe, L. Beles, E. R. 
Smith, F. A. Rubicon, John Smith, E. Smith, H. 
Smith, D. :N'. K. Hubbard, H. Wood, Charles Ot- 
tinger, R. S. Beel, N. D. Claghorn, H. Thompson, 
N. Freidenburg, M. Levullen, S. Gill, fifer. 



A RECOKD. 63 



CHAPTER YI. 

Chaeleston and the Kanawha Valley. — A doxible muedee. 
— Colonel Ttlee assumes command of the post. 

Aftkr the engagement at Cross Lanes, five com- 
panies of the regiment remained at Gauley Bridge, 
while the balance were at Charleston. The latter 
part was commanded by Colonel Guthrie, of the 
First Kentucky Regiment. At this time it was the 
seat of justice for Kanawha County, and contained 
upwards of three thousand inhabitants. It is a 
neat village, situated on the north bank of the 
Kanawha River, at a point where the Elk empties 
into it. There is a fine susj)ension bridge over the 
latter stream, which the rebels undertook to destroy 
in their flight. Charleston is three hundred and 
eight miles west of Richmond, and forty six miles 
east of the Ohio River. It was named after 
Charles Clendenin, an early settler, and an owner 
' of the soil on which it is built. 

The Valley of the Kanawha is famous for its 
beautiful scenery. The mountains on either side of 
the river sometimes rise to the heisrht of five hun- 
dred feet and more, and are liberally supplied with 



64: THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

rich beds of minerals and coal. At their base is 
located the famous Kanawha salt works. They 
commence near Charleston, and extend for about 
fifteen miles above it. Before the rebellion they 
gave employment to nearly six thousand persons. 
The following extract will be of interest : 

" It is a curious fact, and worthy of philosophical 
inquiry, that while the salt water is obtained by 
boring to a depth of from three hundred to five 
hundred feet below the bed of the Kanawha, it in- 
variabl}" rises to a level with the river. When the 
latter is swollen by rains, or the redundant waters 
of its tributaries, the saline fluid, inclosed in suit- 
able "gums" on the shore, ascends like the mercury 
in its tube, and only falls when the river returns to 
its wonted channel. How this mysterious corre- 
spondence is produced is a j^roblem which remains 
to be solved. Theories and speculations I have 
heard on the subject, but none seem to me to be 
precisely consonant with the principles of science." 

Before the presence of the army interrupted the 
manufacture of salt, these works yielded about two 
million bushels annually, and are capable of yield- 
ing much more with an increase of capital. 

While Colonel Guthrie commanded the post at 
Charleston a most disgraceful tragedy was enacted. 
An order had been issued that no liquors of any 
description should be sold or given to the soldiers 



A RECORD. 65 

or employees of the Government. During the time 
this order was in force, a party of drunken rowdies 
from the First Kentucky Tiegiment stopped at the 
grocery of an old man, and asked for some beer ; 
when refused, they demanded it. Being again re- 
fused they threatened violence, and proceeded to 
put their threats into force, when a son of the old 
man, occupying a room above, was brought to the 
window by the old gentleman's cries for help, and, 
seeing his father thus set upon by a mob, from the 
repeated assaults of which his life was endangered, 
fired a revolver, the contents of which took effect 
on one of the assaulting party, producing instant 
death. He was at once arrested and lodged in jail, 
around which a strong guard was placed to prevent 
his being taken out and hung. 

That night Colonel Guthrie, in a speech made to 
the excited throng, which had collected around the 
jail, said, in substance, that the life of the criminal 
should be taken if he had to do it with his own 
hand. Similar remarks were made by others, 
among whom was a captain who afterwards sat as 
judge-advocate on the trial. 

On the morning after the affair the members con- 
stituting the court-martial assembled " in all the 
pomp and jDride of glorious war," decorated with 
all the parapliernalia belonging to an officer's 
equipment, but to declare a prejudged opinion. 



G6 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT : 

During the trial the prisoner was as immovable 
as a statue, evincing in his appearance a want of 
hoj^e, as well as a preparation for the worst. He 
made no defence. The announcement of the sen- 
tence of death produced no change ; he preserved 
a stoical appearance to the last. 

When the hour of execution arrived the prisoner 
was brought to the gallows in a heavy -wagon, 
guarded by a double file of soldiers, who were 
laughing as gayly as if on their way to some place 
of amusement. During the afternoon the sun had 
shone through a cloudless sky ; but just before 
this terrible scene was enacted, tlie heavens were 
draped with heavy clouds, and the rain fell in tor- 
rents, casting a gloom on all around. The wretched 
victim ascended the gallows with a firm tread, and 
addressed a few words, in a fearless tone, to those 
assembled around. As the rope was being ad- 
justed around his neck, the crowd involuntarily 
gave way, showing that, although they had been 
clamerous for the enactment of the scene, yet 
when the time came, they had not the nerve to 
witness the death-struggle of their victim. There 
was but little movement of the body after the fatal 
drop fell. This last scene was sickening in the ex- 
treme, and all of us, movbd by a common im- 
pulse, turned and walked away in silence, our 
hearts being too full f6r utterance. 



A RECORD. 67 

This is one more testimony against the safety and 
justice of the deatli penalty.* 

On the 19th day of October, Colonel Tyler took 
command of the post at Charleston. He issued the 
following proclamation : 

" In assuming the command of this post, one of 
my principal objects will be to maintain order, and 
to see that the rights of persons and property have 
the protection guaranteed by general orders from 
department headquarters. To the faithful execu- 
tion of this my entire energies, together with the 
force at my command, will be given. To this end I 
have established Camp Warren, where officers and 
soldiers are required to be at all times, excej^t when 
on duty which calls them away, or on leave of ab- 
sence, which will only be granted at headquarters. 
Commissioned and non-commissioned officers will 
beheld personally responsible for any violation of 
this order by members of their companies. Drunk- 
enness, marauding, boisterous and unsoldierlike 
conduct are strictly forbidden. To prevent this, 
the sale of intoxicating liquors, directly or in- 
directly, to those in the service of the United 
States, is positively and emphatically prohibited ; 
and I call upon the citizens to aid me in detecting 
those who violate this order. The quiet of your 
town, the protection of your property — in fact your 



68 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

lives and the lives of your families — depend much 
upon the sobriety of «ur officers and men ; there- 
fore, it becomes your duty as well as your interest 
to lend me your aid in the execution of this order. 

■ "E. B. Tylek, 
" Colonel Commanding Post." 

Under the rule of Colonel Tyler the post at 
Charleston assumed order and quiet. Under the 
former commandant drunkenness was common, 
while marauding parties were free to patrol the 
streets on their errands of mischief. The property 
of the. citizens was at the mercy of these gangs, 
while their lives were not unfrequently placed 
in jeopardy. The people, therefore, were much 
gratified with the change of rule. Camps were 
now established at some distance from the village, 
while no soldiers were permitted to visit it unless 
they first obtained a pass from headquarters, M-lii»h, 
being established in town, was difficult to procure. 
A provost-marshal was appointed, with a proper 
guard subject to his orders. Tliis guard was in- 
structed to arrest all soldiers found in the streets of 
the village without a proper pass, as well as those 
committing any depredations on the property or 
persons of the citizens, with or without a pass. 

About the middle of October tlie companies at 
Gauley Bridge came down to Charleston. During 



A RECORD. 69 

their stay on tlie Gauley they performed much duty 
at the outposts ; several times being under the 
enemy's fire, though none were injured. The de- 
tachment sufiPered severe loss, however, from sick- 
ness. Lieutenant Robinson was among tlie num- 
ber ; he died of fever ; his loss was greatly felt by 
the regiment. "When the news of his death reached 
his company, they wept as for a brother. 



70 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 



CHAPTER YII. 

Floyd establishes batteries on Cotton Hill, — Deiven off 
BY the foeces of Geneeal Cox. — Benham's failuee to 
inteeoept his eetreat. — His puesuit. — Skiemish at Mc- 
Coy's Mills. — His final escape. 

Nea-r tlie last of October General Floyd very 
suddenly appeared on Cotton Hill, an abrupt emin- 
ence lying between the Kanawha and New rivers, 
at the junction of the Gauley with the latter stream, 
which form the Kanawha. The enemy immediately 
commenced shelling Gauley Bridge. General Cox, 
who was some distance up New Eiver, near tlie 
headquarters of General Rosecrans, was ordered to 
proceed to Gauley Bridge and to assume direction 
of affairs. He was also ordered to direct General 
Benham, wlio was expected to arrive very soon 
with a brigade, to cross his forces, at night, over 
the Kanawha River, and to carry the summit of 
Cotton Hill by storm. A picket post had already 
been established across the river by direction of 
General Cox. Benliara protested against the move- 
ment, and refused to execute the order received 
through General Cox, but proceeded to confer, by 



A KECORD. 71 

telegraph, with General Rosecrans, receiving in 
reply the same orders. Benham still protesting 
against attempting to execute what he termed so 
hazardous a movement, at his own request was per- 
mitted to pass down the river to the mouth of Loop 
Ci'eek, from whence he was to undertake a flank 
movement. Colonel Smith joined General Benham 
in his protest, declaring the attempt to storm these 
batteries as sheer madness. It is significant that 
General Cox afterwards stormed and carried Cotton 
Hill, with barely a regiment of troops. 

Floyd had constructed a line of fortifications at 
Dickerson's, on the road to Fayetteville, which was 
his only avenue of retreat in case of disaster. 

Soon after General Benham arrived opposite 
Loop Creek, he was joined by five hundred selected 
men from the Seventh from Charleston. This de- 
tachment of the regiment, having arrived on boats, 
was ordered to disembark, and take up their posi- 
tion at the mouth of Looj) Creek. The follow- 
ing morning it moved up the creek some eight or 
ten miles, where it took up its position at an old log 
barn. Lieutenant-Colonel Creighton being in com- 
mand. Colonel Tyler having remained at Charles- 
ton, was instructed to picket the roads well in his 
front, as well as the mountains lying between ; and 
also to scout the country in the vicinity, for the 
purpose of finding out the position of the camp of 



72 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

the enemy, as well as his numbers. The latter part 
of the order was well executed, and there can be no 
doubt that Benham was possessed of accurate infor- 
mation of the enemy. 

After the third day of . our occupation of this 
position we wer6 joined by a detachment of the 
Forty-fourth Ohio, under command of Major Mitch; 
ell, and the Thirty-seventh Ohio, under command of 
Colonel Seibert. Soon after, all of this force, with 
the exception of eight companies of the Thirty- 
seventh Regiment, was ordered forward under 
command of Lieutenant-Colonel Creighton. 

Proceeding for some distance on a road leading 
to the front, we struck into a bridle path, and after 
passing through a wood, began ascending a moun- 
tain. Single file, the command clambered up its 
steep and rocky sides. Arriving on its summit we 
could see the heads of a line of men extending for a 
mile beneath us. Descending the opposite side 
with some difficulty, we marched some distance 
from the foot of the mountain, and found ourselves 
at Cassady's Mills, a point from which the command 
was to debouch on to the Fayetteville pike, should 
Floyd attempt a retreat. But the movement, on 
the part of Benham, was so -tardily executed, that 
the balance of the command never arrived at this 
point ; but instead, the forces, other than the Seventh 
Ohio, were ordered away that night ; leaving a 



A RECOED. 73 

detachment of five hundred men, witli no support, 
within three miles of a well-equipped army of the 
enemy. We were so near that we could plainly 
hear the bugle calls in Floyd's camp. Had Ben- 
ham's entire command been at that point, the retreat 
of the rebel army could have been interce})ted. 
Previous to this, Floyd had been driven back to 
his intrenchments at Dickerson's, and all that was 
necessary to his capture, was an attack on his rear 
on the part of Benham. But he either feared to 
make the attack, or was too slow in doing it. The 
former is probably true. That night the rebel 
general passed within three miles of our position, 
and escaped with his entire army, together with the 
artillery and baggage. 

On the 12th of ^N'ovember, Benham arrived at 
Cotton Hill, but to find the forces of General Cox 
in possession. On the afternoon of the 13th, he 
pushed on after Floyd's retreating army, arriving 
within four miles of Fayetteville, at about eleven 
o'clock p. M. Hei-e, evidences of the hurried retreat 
of Floyd began to multiply. The fences were lined 
with hides, but recently stripped from the carcasses 
of cattle, while in many places the beef itself was 
left suspended from the fence. 

On the morning of the 4th, we pushed through 

Fayetteville before day, in the pursuit. Floyd had 

but a few hours the start. Six miles ahead we took 

4 



74 THE SEVENTH KEGIMENT: 

breakfast, consisting of two array crackers to eacli 
man. After which we pushed rapidly on. About 
noon, our skirmishers, the Thirteenth Ohio, over- 
took the rear-guard of the enemy, when sharp firing 
occurred, which continued during an advance of 
several miles, resulting in the mortal wounding of 
St. George Croghan, colonel of the Second Georgia 
cavalry, and formerly of the United States Army. 
The colonel was taken to a house close by and left, 
where he was found in a dying condition by our 
men.' Having been a class-mate of his at West 
Point, Benhara stopped and passed a few words 
■with him. When recognizing the general, Croghan 
appeared to be much affected ; and is reported to 
have said that he knew he was fighting in a bad 
cause, and that he had been driven into the army 
much against his wishes, for lie was still attached to 
the old flag. He soon after expired. 

While this conversation was being carried on 
between officers so difierently circumstanced, the 
Union forces had pressed the rebels so closely, that 
the latter, to save their baggage train, were com- 
pelled to make a stand. The Seventh Ohio was 
ordered to act as reserve, but when the action grew 
hot, was ordered forward, with instructions to send 
out two companies as skirmishers, which was 
immediately done ; Companies A and K being sent 
forward. 



A RECOED. 75 

About this time two pieces of rifled cannon were 
brought to bear on the rebels, when they turned 
and fled, leaving six killed on the field. We were 
so near, that Ave plainly heard the retreat sounded 
by their bugles. From this time their retreat be- 
came a rout. In their flight, they cast away every 
thing that would encumber their retreat. We were 
now on the banks of a stream, over whose rocky 
clifi"s numerous wagons, with their contents, had 
been hurled. It was supposed, that several pieces 
of cannon shared the same fate. 

Tl]^ pursuit was continued with much vigor, until 
a late hour in the evening, when General Schenck, 
having but just arrived at the front, ordered it 
discontinued. This was the second error of the 
campaign. Schenck, with his fresh troops, instead 
of ordering the pursuit to cease, should have pressed 
with vigor. The enemy encamped but a short dis- 
tance in our front, on Three-mile Mountain. This 
position could have been carried with ease, with the 
combined forces of Schenck and Benham, with 
comparatively little loss. But the pursuit being the 
result of a blunder, resulted in a blunder. 

A little after midnight the command fell back, 
arriving at Fayetteville in the afternoon of the 
same day, after a fatiguing march over the worst 
road that could be imagined, and with no provis- 
ions other than beef with a very little salt. The 



76 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

Seventh marched to its old camp, four miles out on 
the road to Cotton Hill. The officers and men lay- 
on the hill-side that night, exposed to a violent snow 
storm, with no other covering than their blankets, 
except the snowy sheet that nature spread over 
them during the long hours of night. 

During the night a demonstration was made on a 
drove of i^igs which were lurking close by ; and it 
would not be strange if the soldiers could relate 
tales of their descent on poultry yards and bee-hives. 
True it is, that some first-class honey found its way 
into camp. ^ 

The next day, marching over Cotton Hill, we 
arrived at our camp near the mouth of Loop Creek. 
Embarking on the following day, we arrived at 
Charleston on the 18th, after an absence of fourteen 
days. 



A RECOED. 77 



CH AFTER. YIII. 

KeFLEOTIONS OS TITE INSTITUTION OF SlATEET. 

While at Charleston, we were deeply impressed 
with the profound interest the slaves were taking 
in passing events. That down-trodden race, who 
had for years suffered every injustice at the hands 
of their white oppressors, were now the first to 
assist the Federal commanders. Through darkness 
and storm, they carried information, and acted as 
scouts and guides on occasions when it would try 
the heart and nerve of their white companions. 

From my own observation, I am confident that 
the slaves of the South, were just as well informed 
with regard to their relation to their masters, as we 
were. They were, from the very first, impressed,, 
with the idea that this rebellion was to work some 
great change in their condition. They were watch- 
ing, with great interest, every movement of troops, 
and were continually asking questions, as to the 
disj)Osition to be made of them ; thus evincing an 
interest in military affairs, of which their masters 
little dreamed. It is well enough to talk of the 



78 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT! 

deep devotion of slaves to their masters ; but the 
latter have found ere this, I trust, that this devotion 
on which thej have relied, has not prevented them 
from cutting their throats, when it was in the line 
of their duty, and hy means of which they could 
gain their freedom. An instance of tliis great 
devotion on the part of a slave for his master, was 
related to me while at Charleston. 

A Mr. R owned a coloi-ed servant by the 

name of John ; he enjoyed the unlimited confidence 
of his master, who was in the habit of trusting him 
as he would one of his children. This confidence 
was reciprocated by a like devotion on the part of 
the slave for his master. One day a neighbor told 

Mr. R that his John was about to ran away, 

as he had repeated conversations with his servants 

on the subject. Mr. R flew into a passion, 

feeling very much grieved that his neighbor should 
think, for a moment, that his John, whom he had 
raised from infancy, should prove so ungrateful as 
Jto leave him. The only attention he paid to this 
timely warning was, to put still greater trust in his 
servant. One day, shortly after this, John Avas 
missing; not only this, he had been so ungrateful as 
to take his wife and three children. The last heard 
from faithful John was, that he was safe in Ohio. 
I^ow Mr. R is a very good man and a Chris- 
tian, and treat his servants very kindly ; but that 



A EECOKD. 79 

God-given principle, a desire for personal liberty, 
actuated him in connection with other men of fairer 
complexion. John, iindonbtedlj, left his old home 
and master with regret, but home and friendship, 
when compared with freedom, were nothing. « 

I was once told by a colored man, in whom the 
utmost confidence could be placed, that there has 
been for years an association amono- the neo-roes, 
which extends throughout the South, the purpose 
of which was one day to liberate themselves from 
slavery. He said that liundreds of slaves who, ap- 
parently, were as innocent as ignorant, were tolera- 
bly well educated, and were secretly bending every 
energy to bring about an insurrection, which should 
end in their being released from bondage. When 
asked if the field-hands were members of this asso- 
ciation, he said tliey were ; and although possessing 
less information than those living in the cities and 
villages, jet they were aware of what was going on; 
and after their work was done at night, they often 
met in their cabins, and talked over the prospect be- 
fore them. lie also said, that in the larger cities of 
the South this association had regular meetings and 
ofiicers ; that they awaited only the proper time, 
when a tragedy would be enacted all over the 
South, that would astonish the world. 

When we reflect that revolts have been com- 
mon in the South, and that they have been attend- 



80 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

ed hj partial success, it does not require a great 
stretch of the imagination to believe that this asso- 
ciation did really exist. The fact oj" the intense feel- 
ing, of hatred cherished by the people of the Sontli • 
Against Northern fanatics, as they were termed, 
who came amongst tliem, is strong evidence in fa- 
vor of the existence of some organized course of 
policy among the negroes. The outward appear- 
ance of the slave is usually gentle in the extreme, 
although his inward feelings may be agitated to 
such a degree, that in a whit-e man they would burst 
forth in the wildest passion. Therefore, this hatred 
of the South to the opponents of slavery must be 
traced to a fear of some secret organization, the ob- 
ject of which lay deeply buried in the reticent 
minds of the slaves. Tlie Southern mind was more 
deeply agitated, from the fact of the want of this 
outward emotion on the part of their slaves; for 
had this strong desire for liberty, which was awak- 
ened in them, burst out in wild enthusiasm, it 
would have been readily checked by the S(;vere 
punishment of individuals; but it was this secret 
working of this deep-laid desire for freedom that 
troubled them. The most guilty were, to all out- 
ward appearance, the most innocent. 

While the Federal army occupied the country, 
the slaves were much less guarded in what they 
said. One of these slaves, an old man, was passing 



A RECOED. 81 

a tent one day, when a soldier said to him that he 
belonged to Jeff. Davis. With a knowing look, he 
replied : "I did ; but now, massa, I belong to Uncle 
Sam." A colored woman, who had been a slave 
for years (as she is very old), came into our room 
one day, and taking -up a paper, asked if we wanted 
it. Some one said to her, as she was about leaving 
the room, that she had better not be seen with that 
paper, as it was not the sort her mistress admired. 
Said she, " I know what missus likes ; I can take 
care of it;" and slipping it under her apron she 
left the room. That slave could read and write, 
and yet her master knew nothing of it. So it is 
with many others. It may be asked how they ac- 
quire this knowledge. They gain it in a great 
many ways. Many of them learn of their masters' 
children, with whom house-servants spend a great 
deal of time. Having acquired a slight knowledge, 
it stimulates thera to greater exertion. They ob- 
tain scraps of newspapers and parts of books, and 
thus gain a great deal of information entirely unob- 
served. The slave knows how to keep secrets ; con- 
sequently, any scheme that is on foot is seldom dis- 
covered. Few persons, at the commencement of 
the rebellion, had the least conception of the vast 
resources and power of, the slave population of the 
South. And it was not until they had fed and 

clothed the Southern armies for two years, and by 

4* 



82 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT: 

this means kept them in the field, that it was ac- 
knowledged. Had it not been for its slaves, the 
South, long ere this, would have been compelled to 
yield obedience to the Government, The rebels 
appreciated and used this element of strength from 
the beginning. The Federal Government, through 
the influence of weak-minded politicians, rejected 
it; thus throwing an element of its own strength 
into the hands of its enemies. 

Notwithstanding this harsh treatment, the slaves 
proved true to the Government; and finall}', through 
the medium of this faithfulness, their vast services 
were acknowledged, and they have not only been 
taken into the private service of the country, but 
they have been admitted into the army, to swell its 
numbers, until the strength of their mighty arms, 
and the nerve of their fearless hearts, are felt by the 
enemies of the country on every battle-field. What 
a glorious thought! thousands of the oppressed 
fighting for the redemption from slaverj^ of a race 
which has ever worn the chain. When it is re- 
membered that by this strife questions are to be 
settled which have ever disturbed the harmony of 
this countr}^, and not that only, but questions which, 
when settled, will release millions of our fellow-men 
and women from the power of the oppressor, ought 
we not to be thankful that we are permitted to 
make great sacrifices in so good a cause ? 



A BECOED. 83 



CHAPTER IX. 

The Seventh oedered to the East. — Expeditiok to Blue's 
Gap. — Skiemish on the Bloomlng pike. 

After Floyd was driven from Cotton Hill, very 
few rebels remained in that portion of Yirginia. 
Many troops were sent to Kentucky and elsewhere. 
Among- the number was the Seventh Remment. 
It was ordered to join the forces under command of 
General Kelley, which were operating on the upper 
waters of the Potomac, with headquarters at Cum- 
berland, Maryland. 

Accordingly, on the twelfth day of December, 
the regiment embarked on steamers, and after pay- 
ing its respects to General Cox, by way of present- 
ing arms and cheers, it moved down the river ; thus 
leaving forever the scene of its past dangers and 
privations. Little had, apparently, been accom- 
plished, during its summer campaign ; but perils 
had been braved, privations had been suffered, and 
obstacles had been overcome. Manj^- graves had 
been dug and filled with the pride of the regiment. 
These were left as a record of its patient suffering 



84 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT: 

in that wild waste of hills. There was a sort of 
sadness attending the leaving of all this for a new 
field of operations. But the soldier's life is one con- 
tinued change; and, therefore, he readily adapts him- 
eelf to circumstances. 

At Parkersburg the regiment left the boats, and 
took a train of cars, which conveyed it to Green 
Spring Kun, a station on the Baltimore and Ohio 
Kailroad, sixteen miles from Romney, Virginia. 
Here it remained without tents for several days, 
when it was ordered to Komney, to which place it 
proceeded immediately. It was now given a good 
ground for its camp, and furnished with Sibley 
'tents, which were both warm and roomy. The 
weather being very fine for- the time of year, the 
health and spirits of the soldiers rapidly improved. 

During the occnpation of Romney, quite a force 
of " bushwhackers'" had collected at Blue's Gap, 
which were under command of Colonel Blue. This 
force of bandits had annoyed the Union citizens for 
sometime. It wasfinally resolved to break it up. The 
force chosen to do this work consisted of the Fourth, 
Fifth, Seventh, and Eighth Ohio, Fourteenth Indi- 
ana, and First Virginia, with Danver's two com- 
panies of cavalry, and a section of Howard's Bat- 
tery, in all about two thousand five hundred men, 
under command of Colonel Dunning of the Fifth 
Ohio. A little past midnight of January Oth, the 



A RECOED. 85 

force moved out from their camp. The night was 
bitter cold, but the march was rapid ; and just after 
daybreak, the vicinity of the gap was reached, to 
find that the I'ebels were tearing up the flooring of 
the bridge leading over the stream coming through 
the gap. The skirmishers drove this force away, 
and then advanced over the bridge, followed by the 
Fifth Ohio, which took possession of Blue's house. 
Procuring a negro woman for a guide, the force ad- 
vanced to assault the rebel stronghold on the moun- 
tain. On reaching the place, the intrenchments 
were handsomely carried, the rebels standing for 
five rounds only, when they broke, and fled down 
the 'side of the mountain. Their flight was so 
rapid that many of the fugitives ran on to the 
Fourth Ohio, which was at hand, and were cap- 
tured. But they were hardly worth taking, for an 
uglier set of ragamuffins the mountains of Vir- 
ginia, or the whole world even, could hardly pro- 
duce. Blue's property was utterly destroyed. The 
loss of the enemy in this affair was forty killed, and 
as many taken prisoners, together with all their 
stores, wagons, and ammunition. A number of 
cattle were also taken and driven back to Romney. 
On their return, the Federals fired several houses, 
which was a lasting diagrac'e to all those taking part 
in it. General Kelley was justly indignant at this 
conduct. 



86 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT: 

Nothing further occurred to break the ennui of 
camj3 and picket duty until the 10th, when an 
order came to break camp and prepare for a march. 
Immediately following this order, all w^as bustle and 
confusion, in anticipation of an advance. There 
being a lack of transportation, some tents and com- 
missary stores were burned. In early evening, 
the regiment marched into the town, where it 
was compelled to wait, through a fearful storm of 
sleet, until midnight, when, instead of an advance, 
the entire force rapidly fell back through Spring- 
field to Patterson's Creek, on the Baltimore and 
Ohio Railroad. This camp was soon converted into 
a mud-hole. If all of Virginia had been canvassed 
a worse place for a camp could not have been found. 
After a few weeks contest with this everlasting 
snow and mud, an order came, on the 5th of Feb- 
ruary, to march, which was hailed with universal 

joy- 

The force passed down the railroad late in the 
afternoon, for a short distance ; when, leaving the 
tents and baggage, it took a road to the right, and 
before night halted in a grove by the roadside. 
After a few hours spent in preparing and eating 
supper, it moved off in the direction of Romney, 
the Seventh in the advance. • 

All night we marched, over mountains and 
streams, through snow and sleet. In the morning 



A EECORD. 87 

we came to a halt at an old tannery, and after re- 
maining through the day, fell back four miles and 
bivouacked on the banks of the Little Cacapon 
River. Tired and wet, the soldiers la}^ down to rest 
on their bed of rails and straw, to gather strength 
for the morrow. At last, day dawned, rainy and 
gloomy, and the command moved five miles to the 
rear, to a place called the Levels, — a very high 
table-land, exposed to severe wind and storm, which 
never fails to visit that region. The regiment was 
ordered to bivouac, and soon the pine forest was 
converted into a village of green houfes, with hot 
fires roaring and crackling before them. 

We remained here some fifteen days, within 
three miles of the tents ; but for some reason, better 
known to those in command, we were left on a hill- 
toj), exposed to the cold winds and snows of Febru- 
ary, in brush shanties. During some of the time it 
was so cold that a crust formed on the snow suffi- 
ciently hard to hold up a person. Daring this time 
the commanding officer of our brigade occupied a 
house close by, which was very convenient as well 
as comfortable. 

The regiment, while here, did very little duty ; 
in fact none, with the exception of one brigade drill 
ill the snow, which only vexed the command, with- 
out accomplishing any good. 

Colonel Sprague, formerly caj)tain of Company 



88 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT: 

E, now paid tlie regiment a visit, the first time he 
had met his old comrades since his capture. Fol- 
lowing that had intervened his long imprisonment. 
The meeting was a pleasant one. 

On the 13th of March the regiment left camp, 
and, taking the Bradford pike, crossed a range of 
hills, at the foot of which is the Baltimore and Ohio 
Railroad. Taking this road, Pau-Pau Station was 
reached before night. Here we found quite a num- 
ber of troops. 

General Lander advanced with one brigade on the 
Blooming pfke. Soon the advance-guard, consist- 
ing of a part of a regiment of cavalry, came on to 
an intrenched camp of militia. The general, taking 
command in person, ordered a charge ; but barely a 
dozen of these hoi"semen could be made to follow 
their brave leader. But, nothing daunted. Lander, 
followed by his staff and a few of the cavalry, 
dashed over the intrenchments, when some fifty 
rebels surrendered ; Colonel Baldwin, their com- 
mander, giving himself up to Lander, after the 
latter had seized him by the shoulder, desi^ite the 
revolver which the rebel colonel held in his hand. 

On the return of this expedition, the Seventh was 
ordered out on to the pike. After advancing for 
nearly two miles, it halted by tlie roadside, where 
it remained in the mud and snow till the following 
afternoon, when it went into camp close by. 



A BECOED. 89 



CHAPTER X. 

Gallantry of Lieutenant O'Brien. — Death of General 
Lander. — The Seventh escort his remains. — The ooou- 
PATiON OF "Winchester. 

During the occupation of the country about Pau- 
Pau Station, the troops were kept active. Skir- 
mishes were of frequent occurrence. One of them 
is deserving of mention. A reconnoissance was _ 
being made by Lieutenant O'Brien, of Lander's 
statf, accompanied by twenty or more cavalry, 
when they were met by a band of rebels, who im- 
mediately fired a volley ; following which, they 
demanded the small party of Federals to surrender. 
O'Brien, riding to the front, declined, at the same 
time emptying the saddle of the foremost rebel 
with a revolver, which lie had in his hand ready" 
for use. The lieutenant soon after received a fatal 
wound in the shoulder, from the effects of which he 
died some weeks after. Seeing their leader dis- 
abled, the Union cavalry hurried him to the rear, 
at the same time presenting a determined front. 
When he had arrived at a safe distance they fell 



90 THE SEVENTH KEGIMENT: 

back, fighting as they went. They thus brought 
the gallant O'Brien safe to headquarters. 

O'Brien was a writer of some note. Before the 
war he was a contributor to several periodicals, 
among which was the Atlantic Monthly. For these 
magazines he wrote many elegant things, which 
their readers will probably remember. 

On the first day of March, the monotony of life 
in camp was broken by an order to march. We 
moved out of camp, followed by the entire division, 
on the road leading to Winchester. Towards even- 
ing we crossed the Big Cacapon River, and after 
ascending a spur of the Shenandoah Mountain, 
^ filed into a grove of pines, and remained till the 
following afternoon, when an order was given to 
fall back. On returning to our camp, we found 
that the retrograde movement was occasioned by 
the sudden death of General Lander. The brave 
soldier and able commander expired while his 
troops were moving on an important position of the 
enemy, — a campaign which his fertile brain had 
conceived, and which his daring and dash were to 
pnt into successful execution. No wonder, then, 
when the spirit of its leader took its flight, that the 
division was recalled. None were found competent 
to succeed him in the command of an expedition 
which had occupied his every thought while he 
had been connected with the department. 



I 



A RECORD. 91 

On Monday, March 3d, the Seventh regiment 
escorted his remains to the cars, in the presence of 
fifteen thousand troops, drawn np in line to pay 
their respects, for the last time, to all that was left 
of a commander wliom they loved, and a soldier 
whom they admired. This slow, sad march of the 
Seventh, to the strains of a solemn dirge, was im- 
pressive. We returned to camp with the reflection 
that a master spirit had taken its departure. 

After the death of General Lander, Brigadier- 
General Shields was given the command of his 
division. He arrived soon after. 

The forces under General Banks, occupying the 
country in the vicinity of Harper's Ferry, were or-, 
dered to make an immediate advance on Winches- 
ter, General Shields was directed to co-operate in 
this movement. He was ordered to move on Mar- 
tinsbnrg, Avlien General Banks crossed the Potomac. 

Early in March the division moved down to the 
railroad, when on the same day it took the cars for 
Martinsburg. On arriving at Back Creek, ten 
miles east of Hancock, the bridge was found to be 
destroyed. The command now bivouacked, while 
a party was set at work repairing the bridge. The 
work progressed so slowly, that on the 10th the 
command moved on in advance of the train, pass- 
ing through Martinsburg, and encamping some two 
miles out on the Winchester pike. 



92 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT: 

On the following morning the column pushed 
vigorously forward to assist General Banks in his 
attack on Winchester. The rebels, however, in- 
stead of giving battle, fled as the command ap- 
proached the citj. Shields, therefore, was ordered 
to encamp his troops before reaching Winchester. 
The camp of the Seventh was about three miles 
north of the town, on the Martipsburg road. The 
balance of the division encamped in the immediate 
vicinity. 

Winchester had for a long time been occupied 
by the rebels. The extreme left of Beauregard's 
army, under command of General Johnston, had 
taken possession of the place, when the rebel 
troops first occupied Virginia. From this point, 
troops were immediately sent forward to occupy 
and destroy the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, as 
well as to menace our lines in the direction of 
Harper's Ferry and Cumberland. The possession, 
therefore, of the place by the Union forces was of 
great importance. It not only resulted in the pro- 
tection of this very important railroad, but so 
menaced the left of the rebel army as to require, its 
commander to detach a large force to the Shenan- 
doah Valley, and thus materially weakening his 
main army. Under a leader less able than Jack- 
son, it would have greatly taxed his energies to hold 
the valley. But under this indomitable general 



AEECORD. 93 

the army was enabled to make a good show of re- 
sistance to the advance of the Federal forces. 

Winchester, the county seat of Frederick County, 
is seventy-four miles west of Washington. The 
town is laid out in regular order, the streets cross- 
ing at right angles. The place possesses some little 
of historical interest. During the French and 
Indian War, Washington made it his headquarters ; 
and he also mentions it as one of the points which 
he touched while on his mission to the French au- 
thorities on the Ohio River. After the engagement 
at Great Meadows, July 4, 1774, Washington re- 
turned to the place to recruit his regiment. It was 
also the base of operations for the forces engaged in 
the reduction of Fort Duquesne. During these 
wars a fort was built under the direction of Wash- 
ington, and named Fort Landon. A part of it is 
to be seen at this day. While this fort was being 
constructed, Washington bought a lot in Win- 
chester, had a blacksmith shop built on it, and 
brought his own smith from Mount Yernon to 
do the necessary iron-work for the fort. A well 
was sunk in this fort to the depth of one hundred 
and three feet, the water from which now runs over 
the top. The labor of erecting this fort was per- 
formed by Washington's own regiment. The fa- 
mous General Morgan, the leader of the American 
forces at the battle of the Cowpeus, is buried here. 



94 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT: 



CHAPTER XI. 

A Eeoonttoissance to Stea«btjbg. — Battle of WiNcnESTEK. 
— Uttee defeat and eotjt of Jackson's aemt. 

Immediately after the occupation of Winchester, 
the enemy's cavalry advance becoming trouble- 
some, a plan was laid for its capture. Colonel Ma- 
son, of the Fourth Ohio, was sent out on the road 
to Front Royal, with a brigade, composed of infan- 
try, cavalry, and artillery, with instructions to pro- 
ceed until he arrived at the last road leading to the 
right before reaching Front Royal ; which road he 
was to take, and by it strike the rear of the enemy 
at Middletown, a small hamlet equally distant from 
both Winchester and Strasburg. He was soon after 
followed by General Shields, with six thousand 
men, who moved on the direct road to Middletown. 
Colonel Mason's command, arriving at this place in 
advance of Shields' column, encountered the ene- 
my's pickets, and drove them to Cedar Creek 
Bridge, which, having covered with combustibles, 
tliey fired. When the troops of Colonel Mason ar- 
rived in the vicinity, they were opened upon by a 






A EECORD. 95 

battery, to which they replied ; with no effect, how- 
ever, as the distance was too great. Shields coming 
up with his division soon after, the entire force biv- 
ouacked for the night. 

Early the following morning the command crossed 
the river without opposition ; but on arriving at 
Strasburg, the enemy opened fire from a battery 
planted on a hill beyond the town. Shields, sus- 
pecting that the entire force of Jackson was in the 
vicinity, made his dispositions for immediate battle. 
The Seventh being ordered out on the road beyond 
the town, were fired upon by a masked battery, but 
none injured. After having been exposed to this 
fire for half an hour, it was withdrawn. Soon after, 
our artillery was got into position, and after thirty 
pieces of cannon had belched forth their fire, the 
rebels fled in haste. During this fire. Mason's cav- 
alry advanced so far out on the road, that they were 
mistaken for the enemy by Captain Clark, of a bat- 
tery of regulars ; he therefore sent a shell among 
them, with such accuracy as to kill a few horses, and 
slightly wound one man. 

An advance being ordered, the pursuit was con- 
tinued for five miles, when the command returned 
to Strasburg, and encamped for the night. On the 
following morning it fell back to its old camp, the 
Seventh marching twenty- two miles in seven hours, 
with but one halt. 



96 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

This reconnoissance to Strasburg leaving no doubt 
on the minds of both Banks and Shields that the 
enemy was not in the front in force, the first divi- 
sion of Banks's corps, on the 20th, commence^ its 
movement to Manassas, in accordance with a letter 
of instruction from General McClellan, of the 16th. 
General Banks did not follow this division immedi- 
ately, but remained at Winchester until twelve 
o'clock on Sunday, the 23d, when he started for 
Harper's Ferry. 

All this time Shields thought he was being trifled 
with by the rebel General Ashby. 

On Saturday, the 22d, there had been a good deal 
of firing in the early part of the day, but what oc- 
casioned it did not seem to be well understood, ex- 
cept to those engaged. But during the afternoon it 
was thought prudent to make all needful prepara- 
tion for battle, so as not to be surprised in case it 
should prove that a greater force than Ashby's was 
in front. Therefore the whole division was ordered 
up ; the third brigade, however, did not pass 
through the town. Shields went to the front, fol- 
lowed by the first and second brigades. As these 
forces emerged from the city, the rebel cavalry made 
a dash at the pickets, who fled in some confusion 
through the little hamlet of Kernstown, but I'allied 
soon after, and by a well-directed volley of mus- 
ketry emptied several rebel saddles. This success 



A RECORD. 97 

enabled them to retire in safety. The rebel cavalry 
soon after advanced, when a sharp skirmish ensued. 
Our pickets having been re-enforced by several de- 
tached companies, were enabled to maintain their 
ground. In the mean time the rebels opened on 
our lines from a battery planted on an eminence ; 
immediately after which a Union battery wheeled 
into position, when a spirited artillery duel took 
j)lace. While directing the fire of this battery, 
Shields was struck on the arm by a fragment of a 
shell, fracturing the arm, and producing a painful 
wound. He, however, continued in the field for 
some time after the accident occurred, but was 
finally taken to a house close by, and his arm 
dressed, after which he was taken to town in an 
ambulance. 

The firing having ceased, the first brigade went 
into camp on the spo-t, while the second brigade en- 
camped in the rear. The third brigade filed into 
an open field near where they were stationed during 
the operations in front. 

During Saturday night a strong picket was kept 
well out to the front, while the remaining trooj^s 
slept on their arms. Nothing occurred during the 
night to disturb the several camps. 

Morning dawned bright and pleasant. The still- 
ness which i-ested over the field of the previous 
day's operations, gave token of the intention of the 



98 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT! 

belligerents to respect the Sabbath-day. In view 
of the general quiet, the second and third brigades 
were ordered back to their camp on the Martins- 
burg pike. 

It was nearly noon when the Seventh arrived, and 
before the men had barely time to eat a hurriedly 
prepared dinner, it was again ordered forward. 
This time the march was rajjid. The distant boom- 
ing of cannon, induced many a disturbed reflection 
as to what lay before us. As we passed through 
"Winchester to the south, we emerged into an open 
plain. This was crowded with people, as were also 
the house-tops. They had assembled, apparently, 
for the purpose of seeing the Union army defeated 
and crushed, and to welcome the victors into the 
city. 

Arriving on the field, we found our forces occu- 
pying a commanding jDOsitio-n .in rear of a range of 
hills overlooking Kernstown ; while the batteries, 
posted at intervals on the crest of these hills, wei'e 
maintaining a heavy fire on the right of the enemy's 
position, which alone seemed to give evidence of 
any purpose to advance. The left of our line was 
held by the Second brigade, Colonel Sullivan ; while 
the centre and right were held by the First brigade. 
Colonel Kimball, commanding the division, was 
stationed on a commanding eminence, from which 
several batteries were pouring their shot and shell 



A RECORD. 99 

into the enemy whenever he showed himself within 
range. 

Up to this time, tlie main fighting had occurred 
in front of our left ; but soon after a battery opened 
in front of the right, from a piece of timber, which 
our batteries were unable to silence. It became 
evident, from this, that the heavy skirmishing which 
the enemy had kept up from their right M'as simply 
a feint, for the purpose of drawing the greater part 
of our force to that part of the field, when a spirit- 
ed onslaught would be made on the other flank, 
which was expected to turn our right wing, and 
tlius give them the victory. It was a conception 
worthy the genius of a Jackson, but it was entirely 
unsuccessful, as no troops were sent to that part of 
tlie field beyond what ordinary prudence required ; 
but on the contrary, becoming satisfied of the in- 
tention of the enemy. Colonel Kimball resolved 
to charge tliis battery. The \vork was assigned to 
tlio Third l)rigade. Colonel Tjder, calling in the 
Seventh, which had been supporting a battery from 
the time it arrived on the field, formed his brigade 
in column, by divisions, and immediately moved 
forward ; at the same time changing direction to the 
right, and passing up a rayine, shielded by a piece 
of timber which skirted it on the side towards the 
enemy. 

After arriving: at some distance to the right, the 



100 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT : 

column changed direction to the left ; and after a 
inarch of nearly a mile, it arrived on the flank, and 
partly in the rear of the enemy. It had now 
reached an eminence in a dense wood. In front, 
the battery which was the object of our movement 
was playing vigorously upon the First brigade, to 
which a spirited fire was returned by Robinson's 
Battery, which had wheeled into position on the 
extreme rio-ht. This acted as a cover to the move- 
ments of our brigade. Breathless, and with anxious 
hearts, we awaited the return of our scouts, which 
would be the signal for a plunge into the unknown. 
We were not kept long in suspense, for in a few 
minutes the order was given to change direction to 
tlie left, and the column moved forward, preceded 
b}^ a line of skirmishers. After marching in silence 
for some distance, the sharpshooters opened a de- 
structive fire on us from behind trees. We were 
immediately ordered to charge; and, with a pro- 
longed yell, the command, led by the Seventh Ohio, 
swept like a torrent down the hill. A ravine now 
lay in front, and, at a short distance, a slight emi- 
nence, and still beyond, a solid stone wall, behind 
which, in three lines, nine regiments of the enemy 
lay concealed. It was a fearful moment. The 
rebel artillery, in the rear of this stone wall, had 
been turaied upon the advancing column. The 
grape and canister was tearing the bark from the 



A EECORD. * 101 

trees over our heads, while the solid shot and shell 
madje great gaps in their trunks. Under our feet 
the turf was being torn up, and around and about 
us the air was thick with flying missiles. ISTot a gun 
was fired on our side. The head of the column 
soon reached the ravine, when a deafening discharge 
of muskcti-j greeted us. A sheet of flame shot 
along the stone wall, followed by an explosion that 
shook the earth, and the missiles tore through the 
solid ranks of the command with a fearful certainty. 
The brigade staggered — halted. "With breathless 
anxiety we anticipated a counter-charge by the 
rebels ; but it came not. Victory to our arms fol- 
lowed that omission on the part of the enemy. The 
order being given to fire, the column recovered 
from the confusion into which it had been tempo- 
rarily thrown. The Seventh now advanced to the 
eminence beyond the ravine ; and, from a partial 
cover, maintained the unequal contest till the other 
regiments could form and come to its support. The 
One Hundred and Tenth Pennsylvania Regiment was 
thrown into such confusion, that it was of little ser- 
vice during the remainder of the day. 

An order was given to the Seventh to prolong its 
line to the left. An attempt was made to execute 
the order, when the left wing, passing over a fence 
into an open field, received such a well-directed fire 
as to compel it to fall back to its old position. 



102 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

During this part of the contest, the rebels endeav- 
ored to extend their left, so as to flank lis on the 
right. To meet this movement, Tjler ordered the 
First Virginia to move to the right. Passing into 
an open field, it was exposed to a cross-fire, which 
soon drove it back to the timber. 

The roar of musketry was now deafening. The 
dying and the dead were lying thick upon the hill- 
side, but neither army seemed to waver. The con- 
fusion attending the getting of troops into action 
had ceased. The great " dance of death" seemed 
to be going forward without a motion. The only 
evidence of life on that gory field, was the vomiting 
forth of flame and smoke from thousands of well- 
aimed muskets. From that blae column, which 
rolled and tumbled in its ascent from the battle-field, 
the unerring bullet sped on its errand of death. 
But other regiments are seen coming to the rescue. 
The right wing of the gallant Eighth Ohio takes 
position on the left, followed by the no less gallant 
Thirteenth and Fourteenth Indiana, Fifth and Sixty- 
seventh Ohio, and Eighty-fourth Pennsylvania. 
These regiments opened a heavy fire, which was 
replied to by the enemy in gallant style. 

The battle now raged fiercely until near night, 
when the enemy began to show signs of giving 
way. At this the Union forces advanced a little, 
at the same time delivering their fire with accuracy. 



A RECORD. 103 

As the shades of evening deepened into night, the 
enemy began to fall back. At this crisis, Colonel 
Kimball ordered a charge along the whole line, 
Avhen the retreat became a rout. In their flight, 
the enemy left in front of the Third brigade two 
pieces of artillery and four caissons. 

That night the Seventh bivouacked on the spot 
now made historic by* its gallantr3^ The wounded 
were being brought in all night long, while the 
dead were lying in heaps around us, their increas- 
ing distortions and ghastliness adding new horrors 
to the battle-field. 

At early dawn the next day, we were ready 
to renew the work of blood and carnage ;_ but 
there was no occasion ; the victory of the day 
before was complete, the rebels had no desire of 
renewing the contest. They gave the advancing 
column a few parting salutes from a battery, and then 
beat a hasty retreat. We followed tliem that day 
to Cedar Kun, where just at night a slight skirmish 
occurred, with some loss to the rel^els. The follow- 
ing day the Union forces occupied Strasburg, when 
the pursuit ceased. 



104 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 



CHAPTER Xll. 

Geisteeal Shields' adstxiett foe iatieels. — Sttmmikg up of 

THE BATTLE. — LoSSES EST THE SeTENTH. 

After the battle of Winchester, General Shields 
showed a disposition to appropriate the laurels won 
by others to himself. In a letter to a friend at 
Washington, he claimed that, after the reconnois- 
sance to Strasbnrg, on the ISth, he fell back hur- 
riedly, for the purpose of deceiving the enemy into 
the belief that his force was small ; and that after 
arriving at Winchester, he moved his division 
beyond the town, so as to create the belief in the 
minds of the citizens that most of his force had 
been sent away. Now the fact is, this reconnois- 
sance was greatly the result of accident. The orig- 
inal design of it was to capture the enemy's 
advance ; this failing, the force proceeded to Stras- 
burg for the purpose of discovering whether or not 
the enemy was in force in the vicinity. It was 
clearly shown by this advance, what was afterwards 
well known, that nothing but a small cavalry force 
occupied Strasburg, and that Jackson was some 
distance up the valley. The hurried march of the 



A RECOED. 105 

division back to "Winchester, was also the result of 
accident. The command marched left in front, 
which brouo^ht a reoriment in the advance whose 
colonel cared little for the comfort of his men ; 
hence the rapid march. Shields reached Win- 
chester in advance of the command, having gone 
on before. After our i-eturn there was no change 
of position, as our tents had not been disturbed, 
and we reoccupied them as they were before 
leaving. If Jackson was deceived, the credit of 
it is not due to Shields, for he was confident to the 
very last that there was no other force in his front 
than Ashby. Even as late as Sunday noon, when 
in reality the battle had begun, he ridiculed the 
idea of Colonel Kimball calling for so many troops, 
remarking, that " Kimball wanted more troops 
than was necessary for the foi"ce in front of him." 
He also boastfully said, that " Jackson knew him, 
and was afraid of him." 

His friends tried to make it appear that it was 
by his direction that the troops were manoeuvred 
on the field of battle. ISTow the fact is, he was four 
miles away, and in such a condition from a wound 
tliat he compelled one of the best surgeons of the 
division to remain with him till long after the bat- 
tle, against the request of the medical director, who 
represented to him, in the most earnest manner, 

that the wounded were sufi'ering for the want of 

5* 



106 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT : 

medical attention. In thus retaining a surgeon for 
his own purpose, while the M'ounded were suffering 
for medical aid, he was criminal in the extreme. 
He committed an offence which ought to have de- 
prived him of his commission. 

Colonel Kimball was mainly instrumental in 
achieving the victory, assisted, of course, by those 
under his command. The skilful manner, how- 
ever, in which the troops were managed was en- 
tirely due to him ; and the authorities regarded it 
in that light, for he was immediately made a brig- 
adier-general, as were both Tyler and Sullivan. 

The number of rebel forces engaged in the bat- 
tle of Winchester has been variously estimated. 
They probably numbered sixteen regiments of 
infantry, four full batteries of artillery, together 
with one of four guns ; in the aggregate, twenty- 
eight pieces and three battalions of cavalry, under 
Ashby and Stewart ; — in all, eleven thousand men 
The Union forces consisted of thirteen rea'iments 
of infantry, four full batteries of artillery and a 
section ; in the aggregate, twenty-six pieces, and a 
battalion of cavalry; — in all, nine thousand men. 

The rebel army was the attacking force, yet the 
engagement between the infantry was on ground 
of their own choosing, by reason of the Third 
brigade charging one of their batteries. It was 
in the vicinity of this battery, which was at least 



A RECORD. 107 

a mile in advance of onr selected line of battle, 
that the fighting occurred which turned the tide 
of battle. At this point the enemy had everj 
advantage of position. He was securely posted 
behind a stone wall, and in a belt of tinibet ex- 
tending along a ridge ; while our forces were com- 
pelled to advance across a plain exposed to a gall- 
ing fire from infantry and artillery ; and it was not 
until thej^ arrived within eighty yards of his line 
that any thing like a fair ground could be obtained. 
Ja-ckson, the famous commander of the no-less 
famous " stone-wall .brigade," a sobriquet it had 
obtained at Bull Kun, was fairly beaten ; and that, 
too, by a force without a general, and of inferior 
liumbers. The victory was so complete, that the 
enemy left two hundred and twenty-five dead on 
the field. Their killed and wounde^l amounted 
to nearly nine hundred, while their loss in prison- 
ers was upwards of two hundred and fifty : adding 
stragglers and deserters to these figures, and it will 
swell the number to about two thousand. The 
Fifth Yirglnia rebel regiment was nearly annihi- 
lated : there was hardly sufiicient of it left to pre- 
serve its organization. 

The loss to the Seventh was fourteen killed and 

fifty-one wounded : but few were taken prisoners, 

\ and those by accident. The following is the list : 

Killed. — Orderly-Sergeant A. C. Danforth ; Cor- 



108 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT: 

poral A. C. Griswold ; privates, Charles Stern, 
James Carroll, James Creiglow, Allen C. Lamb, 
Stephen W. Rice, E. G. Sackett, Eeuben Bnrnham, 
Louis Carven, Elias Hall, John Fram, Fred. Groth, 
James Bisli. 

Wounded. — Captain J. F. Asper ; Lieutenant 
Samuel McClelland ; Sergeant-Major J. P. Webb, 
and Sergeant A. J. Kelly, mortally ; sergeants, A. 
H. Fitch, E. M. Lazonny ; corporals, Ed. Kelley, 
William Saddler, Geo. Blandin, William E, Smith, 
Benjamin Gridley ; privates, Fred. HoiFman, Daniel 
Clancey, Leander Campbell, Joseph Miller, Hamp- 
ton Gardner, Arthur Lappin, Thomas Fresher, 
Duncan Reid, Joseph Smith, Albert E, AVithers, 
Charles Fagan, O. H. Worcester, W^. Coleman, 
Stephen Kellogg, John Gardner, F. M. Palmer, 
F. A. Warner, Daniel Kingsbury, Richard Winsor, 
John Milliman, John Atwater, Geo. Anness, Fred. 
Bethel, Charles W. Minnick, Moses Owens, Arba 
Pritchell, Edward Thompson, Edward E. Tracy, A. 
A. Cavanaha, S. Bishop, Owen Gregory, James 
Hunt, W. McClurg, H. M. McQuiston, D. O'Con- 
ner, P. Tenny, Richard Phillips, T. B. Danon, Wm. 
Birch, Henry Clemens. 



A EECORD. 109 



CHAPTEE XIII. 

PuEsuiT OF Jackson trp the Valley. — March to Feeder- 

ICKSBURG, AND RETURN TO FrONT EoTAL. 

About the 1st of April the command left Stras- 
burg, under command of General Banks, driving the 
rear-guard of the enemy through the little village of 
Woodstock, and taking a position on the banks of 
Stoney Creek, four miles beyond the latter place. It 
remained here until the 17th, during which time the 
enemy kept up an artillery fire across the creek, 
which resulted in the killing of several men in the 
division of General Williams. 

On the morning of the iTth the command crossed 
the creek, and stormed the enemy's battery on the 
opposite shore. The early dawn was brightening up 
the eastern horizon with tints of red ; and, as the 
command emerged from the bridge, and ascended 
the steep hill beyond, their bayonets glistened and 
sparkled. After firing one volley, the rebels fled in 
haste, leaving the Federal forces to advance without 
opposition. After falling back beyond the north 
branch of the Shenandoah River, they made a stand, 



110 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT! 

and endeavored to burn the bridge, but were pre- 
vented bj the Union cavahy. A flank movement 
being ordered, and partly executed, the rebels again 
abandoned their position. The Federals now pressed 
on to within a short distance of Kew Market, where 
they encamped. ^ 

Here the command remained ten days, when it 
moved tw.o miles south of the town, and on the 3d 
of May advanced to within a few miles of Harrison- 
burg, but on the following day fell back about five 
miles to a good defensive position. 

The tents were now ordered to be turned over to 
the quartermaster ; and on the following Monday we 
wound our way through Brook's Gap, in the Massa- 
nutten Mountains, towards the smoky tops of the 
Blue Ridge, and thus leaving forever the beautiful 
valley of the north branch of the Shenandoah. To- 
wards evening we crossed the south branch of the 
same river at Columbia Bridge, and moved on in 
the direction of Luray, encamjDing near that place 
The next morning the command moved on down 
the river until night, when it encamped. In the 
evening a hard rain-storm came up, which continued 
for several days. In early evening of the following 
day the command reached Front Royal, a small 
village situated at the base of the Blue Ridge, near 
the junction of the two branches of the Shenandoah 
River. The following morning we crossed the Blue 



A EECORD. Ill 

Eidge, and immediately encountered the enemy's 
cavalry, which annoyed us for several days. On 
the iTtli we arrived at AVarrenton, a delightful vil- 
lage in Fauquier County. We remained in this 
camp until Monday morning, when we again took 
the line of march for Fredericksburg. We reached 
Falmouth, on the north bank of the Rappahannock 
River, on the 23d of May. The corps of McDowell 
was in the immediate vicinity, numbering thirty 
thousand men, and one hundred pieces of artillery. 

When we arrived on the Rappahannock, we 
learned that this force of McDowell's, now number- 
ing forty-one thousand men, was ordered down to 
Richmond, to form a junction with the right wing 
of the grand army under McClellan. There were 
then only about twelve thousand of the enemy in 
front of Fredericksburg. It was about fifty miles 
to the extreme right of the army in front of Rich- 
mond. 

On Saturday the President and secretary of war 
came down for the purpose of arranging the details. 
Shields' division was greatly in need of shoes and 
clothing, while the ammunition for the artillery had 
been condemned, and another supply, which had 
been ordered, had been very much delayed. It was 
therefore arranged that the force should start early 
on Monday morning, both the President and Mc- 
Dowell being averse to starting on Sunday. 



112 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

That evening the President and secretary of war 
left for Washington. Yery soon after, General 
McDowell received a telegram, to the effect that 
JacksOn was making a raid down the Shenandoah 
Valle}^, with a prosj)ect of crushing the forces under 
General Banks. Soon after this dispatch, another 
arrived from the secretary of war, by order of the 
President, containing instructions to send a division 
after Jackson. Here was the fatal blow to the 
campaign against Richmond. McDowell promptly 
ordered General Shields' division to move, and at 
the same time telegraphed the President that it was 
a fatal blow to them all. 

Little things control momentous events. Jack- 
son's army of twenty thousand veterans checkmated 
an army of one hundred and fifty thousand men. 
In defending Washington, we lost Richmond ; but 
Jackson risked his own communication to break 
ours. Results more than realized his expectations. 
Without risk there is little gain. Jackson adopted 
this adage into his tactics, and endangered his army 
to save it. Events proved his sagacity. 

In time of war the capital of a country, unless far 
removed from the seat of war, is in the way. The 
City of Washington was a fatality. It stood between 
the army and victory. Jackson knew this, and 
profited by it. When this general menaced Wash- 
ington, our army let go its hold on the Confederacy, 



A EECORD. 113 

to make it doubly safe. Tlie campaign against 
Kichmond was abandoned, but Washington was 
endangered still. The valleys and swamps of the 
Chickahotniny were paved with the bodies of heroes 
— the little rivulets were swollen with the best blood 
of the land — an army of cripples were given to 
charity ; — and for what ? That the City of Wash- 
ington might be safe. We have since then fought 
the ground over again from Washington to Rich- 
mond ; another graveyard has been planted ; and 
this time for a purpose. Washington has been set 
aside by the new commander, and Richmond made 
the objective point. 



114 THE SEYENTH REGIMENT: 



CHAPTEK XIY. 

The maeoh ox Waynesboeo'. — Two brigades enoottsttee 
Jackson at Port Eepublio, and after five hours' 
fighting are compelled to fall back. 

I*^|ARLY the entire corps of General McDowell 
followed the division of General Shields. The latter 
took the direction of Manassas Junction, and from 
there passed down the railroad, through Manassas 
Gap, arriving at Front Royal on Friday noon, after 
a sharp engagement with a small force of rebels. 

Soon after. Shields stationed one brigade on the 
Luray road, another to watch the fords of the Shen- 
andoah, another was sent out on the Strasburg road, 
while the remaining one occupied the town. On 
McDowell's arrival, Shields, with his entire division, 
was ordered out on the road to Strasburg, for the 
purpose of intercepting the retreat of the enem3^ 
But, instead of taking the road which he was 
ordered to take, he crossed over the north branch 
of the Shenandoah River on the road to Winchester. 
It then being too late to repair the mischief, and 
get ahead of Jackson, Shields was permitted to go 
in the direction of Luray, and follow up Jackson as 



A RECORD. 115 

far as he thought advisable, with the single instruc- 
tion, that, in no event, should his division be sepa- 
rated ; so that each brigade would be in supporting 
distance of all the others. 

On the second day we arrived in the vicinity of 
Columbia Bridge, and pitched our tents for the 
purpose, as we supposed, of enjoying a night's rest ; 
but towards evening an order was received to fall 
back six miles. Arriving at this new camp, we 
again pitched our tents; but just at dark we re- 
ceived an order to move forward to the camp we 
had but just left. "We arrived about midnight, and 
slept on the ground ; thus wasting the strength of 
the command in a needless march of twelve miles. 

On the following morning, June 7th, the Third 
brigade, by an order to move on Waynesboro', 
took up the line of march, arriving in early evening 
on the banks of leaked Creek, where it went into 
camp. Colonel Carroll's Second brigade had passed 
over the road some time before. 

The command had nothing but flour and beef for 
supper, and nothing for breakfast on the following 
morning ; but being assured that some hard bread 
was in waiting, some six miles ahead, it cheerfully 
pressed forward at four o'clock a. m., and at about 
two o'clock the same day, readied the vicinity of 
Port Republic, where Colonel Carroll's brigade had 
met with a repulse the day before. 



116 THE SEVENTH KEGIMENT: 

Port Republic is situated at the junction of two 
forks of the soutli branch of the Shenandoah River. 
Jackson's whole army was in the vicinity of the 
place, the most of it occupying the west bank of 
the river. In rear of Jackson's position, at Cross 
Keys, were General Fremont's forces. At the latter 
place, on the previous day, Fremont had defeated 
Jackson, with heavy loss to the latter. 

Jackson having thus failed to beat back Fremont, 
was compelled to cross the river at Port Republic, 
and, defeating Shields' command, pass through a 
gap in the mountain to Gordons vi lie. 

"When General Tyler's command arrived on the 
field, Lieutenant-Colonel Daum, chief of artillery, 
advised an immediate attack ; but the general 
wisely concluded to await the order of General 
Shields. Selecting a good position for defence, the 
command bivouacked for the night. 

Early in the morning of June 9th, the enemy 
was seen to debouch into the plain in our front, 
when our artillery, under Captains Clark, Robinson, 
and Huntington, opened a heavy fire upon him. 
This force moved into the woods on our left, and 
passing up a spur of the Blue Ridge, threw them- 
selves rapidly forward, with a view of turning that 
wing of the army. Two companies of skirmishers 
and two regiments of infantry were sent into the 
woods to counteract this movement. The skirmish- 



A RECORD. 117 

ers having become warmly engaged, two more 
regiments were sent forward to their support. The 
enemy now abandoned his intention, and coming 
out of the woods, swept across the field to our right, 
uniting with a column which was advancing to the 
attack. 

During this time, the Seventh was supporting a 
section of Huntington's Battery. This new move- 
ment was directed against the position occupied by 
it. When arriving within range of the guns, the 
enemy charged. The regiment reserved it's fire 
until the rebel column approached within easy 
range, when, by order of Colonel Creighton, the 
regiment, which had hitherto been concealed by 
the tall spires of wheat, rose to its feet, and de- 
livered its fire. This shower of lead made a fearful 
gap in the lines of the advancing column. It stag- 
gered, and finally halted. The Seventh now 
plunged into the midst of the foe, when an awful 
scene of carnage followed. After a short struggle, 
the enemy was pressed back, followed by the 
exultant victors. The Fifth and Twenty-ninth Ohio 
regiments did gallant service in this charge. When 
the enemy had been pressed back for half a mile, 
the column halted, reformed, and then fell back to 
its old position. 

The enemy now made a furious attack on the 
extreme right of the division, to meet which the 



118 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT: 

Seventh changed front on the Fourth company. 
The enemy was soon driven back in great confusion, 
and with heavy loss. Immediately recovering from 
this temporary check, he made an onslaught on the 
centre, which resulted in his repulse, with greater 
loss than in any previous attack ; the Fifth Ohio 
alone capturing a piece of artillery and many 
prisoners. 

During these operations, the enemy sent a heavy 
column against our left ; and debouching from the 
timber, came down with such rapidity as to over- 
whelm the small force of infantry supporting four 
guns of Clark's Battery. This force, endeavoring 
to make a defence, came near being captured. The 
guns, of course, fell into the hands of the enemy. 
The Seventh and Fifth Ohio regiments were now 
directed to regain the position. Moving by the 
left flank to the rear of the position under a heavy 
fire, these two regiments dashed up the hill and 
over the guns, into the midst of the terrified rebels. 
Five color-bearers had now been shot down, while 
advancing as many rods. Lieutenant King seized 
the colors and pressed forward, followed by the 
regiment, which sent volley after volley after the 
fugitives, the firing ceasing only when the rebels 
were covered by a friendly hill. We w^ere soon 
ordered to drive them from this position, which 
was done in gallant style, the command charg- 



A RECOED. 119 

ing up the steep sides of the hill, in the face of 
the foe. 

A large column of the enemy was now seen ad- 
vancing from the bridge to the scene of action. It 
was therefore thought advisable by General Tyler 
to withdraw from the field during this check of the 
enemy, and before these re-enforcements could be 
brought into the contest. 

This movement was executed under the direction 
of Colonel Carroll ; and, with few exceptions, the 
retreat was as orderly as the advance. 

After falling back some miles, we met the balance 
of the command under General Shields, who assum- 
ed the direction of the forces. Eighteen miles from 
the battle-field, the command halted for the night ; 
and, on the third day, reached the vicinity of Luray, 
where it went into camp. 

The importance of this engagement has been un- 
derrated. Great and beneficial results to the Union 
army would have followed a victory ; as it was, a 
great disaster succeeded. The impetuous Jackson 
having thus prevented McDowell's forces from 
uniting with the grand army, dashed down in front 
of Richmond, and hurling his army against the 
right wing of McClellan, gave the Federal army its 
first check, which finally resulted in its overthrow. 
McClellan expecting McDowell, received Jackson. 
Had the former formed a junction with him, the 



120 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

grand army would have entered Richmond ; but 
receiving Jackson, it entered Washington. This 
failure to intercept Jackson was due to General 
Shields' disobedience of orders. Plis entire division 
should have been on the ground on Sunday, or none 
of it ; and on its arrival, he should have burned the 
bridge : then the capture of Jackson would have 
been rendered probable, but, as events occurred, it 
was impossible. A part of the division not being 
in supporting distance, rendered the burning of the 
bridge a necessity ; but Shields regarded it difier- 
ently. His order to save the bridge was the ex- 
treme of folly. To make himself a name, he came 
near sacrificing his command. On Sunday, Colonel 
Carroll's forces were in a position to have burned 
the bridge. Soon after, the enemy commanded it, 
with eighteen pieces of cannon. Early in the day 
it was safe to approach it — afterwards, madness. 

This bridge in his possession, gave the enemy an 
opportunity to debouch on to the open plain. When 
there, the advance of Shields' division was liable to 
be crushed. The preservation of the bridge ren- 
dered it certain that he would be there, because this 
plain lay between him and safety. To avoid enter- 
ing it, was to surrender. The shrewd Jackson 
chose to enter it. When there, he turned upon 
Tyler, and overwhelmed him ; then moved off at 
his leisure. The defeat of Tyler was certain ; his 



A KECOED. 121 

escape, marvellous. Jackson anticipated an easj 
victory, but met with a stubborn resistance. This 
mistake of Jackson saved Tyler. 

When McDowell saw that the pursuit of Jackson 
was a failure, he endeavored to collect his forces at 
Fredericksburg, for the purpose of carrying out his 
original intention of joining McClellan ; but Jack- 
son was there before him, and the grand army had 
been beaten back. 

Had the forces of Generals Banks and Fremont 
been left to take care of Jackson, and thus left 
McDowell with his 41,000 men free to go down to 
Richmond, the labor of historians would have been 
lessened. 

Soon after the battle of Port Republic, General 
Shields was relieved of his command. This order 
received the approbation of both officers and men. 

The following is a list of killed and wounded : 

Killed. — Sergeant William Yoges ; corporals, 
Geo. R. Magary, Julius Ruoff, L. R. Gates, John 
II. Woodw^ard ; privates, Adolf Snyder, Romaine 
J. Kingsburj^, John Mulligan, John Reber. 

Wounded. — Captain Geo. L. Wood ; First-lieu- 
tenant A. H. Day ; sergeants, Virgil E. Smalley, 
Samuel Whaler, James R. Loucks (mortally), Chas. 
L. King, Wm. Lanterwasser (mortall}^) ; corporals, 
Townley Gillett (mortally), Holland B. Fry, Mark 
V. Burt, A. C. Lovett, Cyrus H. DeLong A. C. 



122 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

Trimmer, Charles Knox ; privates, J. H. Burton, 
S. E. Buchanan, Isaac Maxfield, Charles Keller, F. 
Keller, Edwin B. Atwater, M. N. Hamilton (mor- 
tally), Daniel S. Judson (mortally), Wm. H, Pelton, 
Benjamin F. Hawkins, Lawson Hibbard, James L. 
Yancise, John Atwater, Jay Haskins, Leroy Chap- 
man, Sylvester B. Matthews, Alfred W. Morley, 
Lawrence Kemmel, George K. Carl, Franklin El- 
dridge, George Geyelin, John T. Geary, Ira Herrick, 
Marion Hoover, W. "W. Kogers (mortally), Edwin 
Woods, Morris Osborn, G. "W. Parker, M. Ecken- 
rode, D. L. Iluui, William Frasher, Anthony Wil- 
liams, John Smith, James Decker, Michael Camp- 
bell, Philip Anthony, John Colburn, John Hum- 
mel, John Luetke, John Schoembs, Conrad Som- 
mer, John Yoelker, Herman Fetzer. 



A RECORD. 123 



CHAPTER XY. 

Battle of Cedae Mountain. — Gallantry of the eegiment, 
and teerible loss. 

After a few days' rest at Luray, the regiment 
marched to Front Royal, and soon after left for 
Alexandria, where it arrived on the 27th of June. 
It went into camp on a beautiful hill, just outside 
the fortifications. 

Remaining in this camp for a month, the regi- 
ment was ordered to join the forces under McDow- 
ell, at "Warrenton. It arrived there on the morning 
of June 26th, and soon after reported to General 
Banks, at Little Washington. 

General Tyler had now been relieved from duty 
with the Third brigade, and General Geary placed 
in command. 

As early as the 16th of July, the advance of Jack- 
son's forces was at Gordonsville ; and by the 1st of 
August reached the vicinity of the Rapidan River. 
To meet this movement, General Pope, commanding 
the Army of Virginia, ordered forward the corps of 
General Banks ; and on the 8th of August ordered 



124 THE SEVENTH BEGIMENT: 

General Sigel's corps to Culpepper to co-operate 
with Banks' forces ; but Sigel, instead of moving 
promptly forward, sent a courier to know what 
road he should take, when in fact there was but 
one. This delayed the movement of his corps 
for several hours, so that it was impossible to get 
it in position in time to render any assistance to 
the forces under Banks. 

On the Tth day of August, Crawford's brigade, 
of Banks' corps, had been pushed forward in the 
direction of Slaughter Mountain, to support General 
Bayard, whose brigade of cavalry was being driven 
back in that direction by the enemy ; and on the 
9th, to support this movement of Crawford, Banks 
was directed to take up a strong position a short 
distance in his rear. Kickett's division, of McDow- 
ell's corps, was posted three miles in rear of Banks' 
position, and within easy supporting distance. 

Desultory artillery firing was kept up all day on 
the 9t]i ; yet General Banks, apparently, did not 
think the enemy were in force, for, during the 
afternoon, he left the strong position which he 
had taken, by order of General Pope, and ad- 
vanced to assault the enemy, believing that lie 
could crush his advance before the main body 
came up. 

The enemy was strongly posted, and sheltered 
by woods and ridges ; while Banks had to pass 



A RECOED. 125 

over an open field, wliicli was swept by tlie fire 
of the enemj thus concealed. 

The intention of Jackson, in this advance, was 
to crush a detachment of Pope's army before the 
balance could come to its support. Banks, in thus 
advancing to the assault, aided him in his design, 
which otherwise would have been an entire failure. 

Cedar Mountain, the position occupied by Jack- 
son, is thus described : " The mountain is one 
of remarkable beauty. At a distance of four or 
five miles from its base it seems to rise like a 
perfect cone from the plain below, and from its 
base to its summit scarcely a deflection is to be 
observed in its outline form — a perfectly straight 
line, as if nature had formed it in the same manner 
that school-boys form sand-hills. The sides of the 
mountain are covered with a heavy growth of tim- 
ber : its summit is reached by a poor road. The 
height of the summit is, perhaps, eight hundred 
feet above Cedar Creek." 

Early in the day of the 9th, General Geary's 
brigade was sent to hold Telegraph Hill, from 
which our signal-ofiicers had been driven. To 
approach this hill was sure slaugliter; but the 
veteran brigade moved on, through a storm of 
shot and shell, and occupied the position. 

Thirty pieces of cannon on our side, and as many 
on the side of the enemy, were belching forth their 



126 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

fire. There was no part of the Federal lines but 
that was swept by this fire. • 

A little after three o'clock the Seventh Regiment 
was ordered over the crest of the hill, into a corn- 
field beyond. While advancing to this position, a 
most terrific cannonade was directed against it. It 
seemed as if every cannon was being directed against 
this band of heroes ; but it never faltered in this 
march of death, moving coolly on, regardless of 
the missiles that were tearing through its bleeding 
ranks. Comrades were falling, and brothers dying ; 
the mangled, bleeding victims of the fury and vio- 
lence of war were left thick, making the ground 
sacred on which they fell ; but the line wavered 
not. Reaching a low place, the regiment halted, 
and the boys threw themselves upon the ground ; 
and thus for a long hour they lay, in an open field, 
exposed to a hot sun, with a hail-storm of grape, 
canister, and shell falling thick and fast around 
them. Men gave up their lives so gently, that it 
was almost impossible to tell the living from the 
dead. The fatal missile struck its victim, leaving 
the lifeless clay in the same attitude which the liv- 
ing body but just before occupied. During that 
fatal period death assumed a real character, while 
life seemed but a dream. 

The engagement had now become general. Tlie 
brigade of General Prince had advanced on the left 



A RECORD. 127 

of Gearj, occupying the prolongation of the line. 
Artillery replied to artillery, musketry to musketry, 
bayonet to bayonet, in this deadly strife. Daring 
warmed into rashness, and bravery into reckless- 
ness. 

About four o'clock the regiment was ordered into 
a meadow, which position it promptly occupied, 
although the fire had not slackened, and carnage 
marked its advance. After dressing the lines, the 
regiment opened fire ; and there it stood without a 
sujjport, facing, in a death-struggle, three times its 
number. The fiery Creighton received a wound 
which compelled him to leave the field. The noble 
Crane was disabled ; and the brave Molyneaux, for 
the moment, took command. Seeing the regiment 
nearly surrounded, and exposed to an enfilading 
fire, which was fast thinning the ranks, he ordered 
it to retreat ; but heroic young Clarkey, mistaking 
it for an order to charge, dashed gallantly forward, 
at the head of his command. After understanding: 
the order, he had barely time to fall back before the 
wings of the rebel host closed in. 
• Slowly and sadly the remaining few of the regi- 
ment fell back, keeping their faces to the foe. Only 
one hundred and sixteen, out of three hundred an^ 
seven, returned to the rear unhurt ; and many of 
these were disabled from service by severe ex- 
posure to the intense heat of the sun, and lack of 



128 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

water. The regiment retired to a hill, and was not 
again brought into action during the afternoon. 
At night, however, it was ordered out on picket. 
After advancing to Cedar Creek it was challenged, 
and no one answering, it received a terrible volley 
from the front and both flanks. It fell back to the 
cover of a piece of woods, and finally to the rear, 
about a mile, where it bivouacked. 

As night settled upon this field of carnage, 
Banks' entire corps withdrew to the position it oc- 
cupied early in the day ; but the artillery kept up 
an intermittent fire until near midnight. General 
Jackson, from his mountain-top, could see every 
movement of troops, and was enabled to calculate 
just how long it would take to re-enforce General 
Banks. Had he not been so imprudent as to come 
down from his mountain fastness, and attack the 
Federal forces after night, his loss would have been 
comparatively little. But as Banks retired, he 
moved twelve thousand men on to the battle-field, 
and kept them there during the night ; at the same 
time advancing one battery through the woods into 
the open field beyond the battle-ground. From 
this position it opened on the division of Union 
^I'oops occupying the advance. As soon as the 
first flash of his guns was seen, Major Davis, chief 
of artillery in McDowell's coi-ps, ordered two bat- 
teries into position, and 02)ened on the enemy. 



A RECOED. 129 

These batteries, being very close, and getting good 
range, did fearful havoc among the rebels. It is 
said that General Hartsuff sighted one of tlie guns 
that did the most execution. After the battery liad 
retired. Major Davis' guns shelled the battle-field. 
The enemy being massed in small space, this fire 
told fearfully on their ranks. After firing about 
one hundred shells, and the enemy not responding, 
Major Davis ordered his guns silenced, little dream- 
ing that he had left more dead rebels on the field 
than all the random artillery firing of the afternoon. 

Many deeds of daring were performed at this 
battle. Captain Ash, of General Pope's staff, 
riding up to a battery with an order from the gen- 
eral to stop firing, saw that it was a rebel battery ; 
he, however, had sufiicient presence of mind to give 
the order, and ride ofi". It was obeyed ; the battery 
ceased to fire, and soon after moved ofi: Captain 
Ball, of McDowell's staff, did the same thing, and 
with a like result. 

The following incident is from the pen of a cor- 
respondent of an Eastern paper : 

" Just after the firing of musketry became in- 
teresting, I noticed a private soldier coming off the 
field, and thinking perhaps he was running away 
to avoid danger, I rode up to him, when I found he 
had two fingers of his left hand shot away, and a 

third dreadfully lacerated. I saw at once that he 

6* 



130 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT: 

Lad at least a band in the fight. I assisted him to 
dress his wound as well as mj limited knowledge 
of surgery would permit, he, in the mean time, 
propping up my pluck by his quaint remarks. 
Said he : 'I don't care a darn for that third finger, 
for it warn't of no account, no how ; but the 
' pinter,' and t'other one, were right good 'uns, and 
I hate to lose 'em. I shouldn't have come to the 
rear, if 1 had been able to load my gun ; but I 
wasn't.' After I had dressed his hand, he looked 
over in the direction of the firing, and stood a mo- 
ment. Turning to me, he said : ' Stranger, I wish 
you would just load up my shooting-iron for me ; I 
want to have a little satisfaction out of them cusses 
for spiling my fore paw.' I loaded his gun for 
him, and he started back for the toj) of the hill at 
a double-quick, in quest of satisfaction. His name 
is Lapham, of the Ohio Seventh." 

During the action, General Banks was leaning 
against a tree, when a cannon-ball struck it about 
eighteen inches above his head, passing entirely 
through. It has been his singular fortune to meet 
with many narrow escapes. AYhile riding through 
"Winchester, on his retreat before Jackson, a rebel, 
from a window above, took deliberate aim at him, 
but was shot by a private of a Massachusetts regi- 
ment before he could fire. 

The loss to the regiment in this engagement was 



A RECORD. 131 

very heavy, and shows with what determination it 
maintained the contest. It went into the engage- 
ment with three hundred and seven, rank and file, 
and came out with a loss in killed and wounded of 
one hundred and ninety-one, — a loss of more than 
sixty- two per cent. 

The following is the list : 

Killed. — Lieutenants, James P. Brisbine, Joseph 
Ross, Frank Johnson ; sergeants, C. P. Bowler, 
Moses Martin ; corporals, J. J. Evans, D. W. 
"Wright ; privates, Joseph T. Blackwell, "William 
Adams, Edward Burnet, E. S. Shepherd, Charles 
G. Hettinger, Charles Masters, Benjamin F. Gill, 
H. F. Dinger, H. Hight, John J. Hensher, Henry 
C. Case, M. Eckenroad, N. H. McClurg, C. C. 
Miller, G. B. Swisher, E. Fox, James Stephenson, 
Alvin H. Benton, Jolyi Manning, Michael "Waldof, 
James Kay, Frank Miller, Juhn "Weeland, 

Wounded. — Colonel "William R. Creighton, Lieut.- 
Colonel O. J. Crane, Adjutant J. B. Molyneaux, 
Captain "William R. Sterling; lieutenants, Henry 
B. Eaton, "W. D. Braden, S. S. Reed, Marcus Hop- 
kins ; sergeants, Z. P. Davie, J. S. Cooper, J. C. 
Jones, A. S. Allen, Arvin Billings, George "W. 
Barnette, E. M. Lazarus, James R. Carter, E. G. 
Taylor, G. "W. Moore, Charles A. Brooks ; corporals, 
M. D. Holmes, Henry J. Brown, L. "Wilson, 
Joseph Trotier, "U^illiam E. Smith, Thomas C. 



132 THE SEYENTH EEGIMENT: 

Brown, Frank J. Ware, Clark "Wilson, C. II. Bux- 
ton, Norman L. ISTorris, F. A, Davis, Albert A. 
Smith, James Alexander, Benjamin Gridlej, "W. 
T. Callors, Kobert M. Brisk, A. C. Trimmer, Chris- 
topher JSTesper, James Grobe ; privates, A. M. 
Clinton, Thomas Sherwood, Edward St. Lawrence, 
Arthur LafEn, Leonard Walker, Jacob C. Gaj'cly, 

F. N. Brund, Abraham Ginter, John G. Parsons, 
Llenry Hatfield, Andrew J. Crippin, Charles E. 
Preble, John H. Galvin, F. Creque, Philip Kelley, 
T. Hammond, E. Lown, William Cammel, John 
Bojle, James Dixon, Samuel E. Garden, Jacob E. 
Hine, Benjamin Hasfield, Frank Ilenrickle, P. E. 
Hill, "William L. Latch, Jacob Marks, Thomas C. 
Kiddle, John Stone, Ernest Zincker, Franklin Gas- 
kill, ]S^. Badger, George Carrathurs, T. P. Dixon, 
Henry Fairchild, J. M. Eofflige, M. Richmond, 
Theodore Wilder, Oliver Wise, A, Colwell, William 
Gardner, John Frank, S. E. Hendrickson, K. P. 
Ilolcomb, E. Hobday, W. Lapham, F. Manley, 
John McAdams, H. IT. Pliodes, J. Harnner, Joseph 
L. Clark, James Kelley, William W. Meeker, 
Charles Himpson, John Wickham, J. Roberts, J. R. 
Green, Edward E. Day, Lewis Owens, S. A. Fuller, 
D. G. Burthroff, J. M. Ilolcomb, Frank Strong, E. 

G. Meekins, II. Wallace, M. S. Gibbons, J. Donthit, 
S. Reed, Arthur Adams, Ezra Brown, Ira M. Bar- 
low, George M, Caldwell, George W. Carter, John 



A EECOED. 133 

Downer, Thomas Ely, Sherman Collinger, Stephen 
H. Hopkins, Daniel Jones, Perrin D. Loomis, 
David C. Nnnemaker, J. L. Oviatt, G. Russell, N. 
Twitchell, Ralph "VVinzenried, John C. Fox, A. 
Inskeep, James Kincaid, John Lentz, R. D. Murray, 
John Pollock, E. S. Mathews, A. Shaffer, C. Glen- 
denning, Alfred Jackson, Hiram Deeds, Ira S. Ray, 
Richard Freeman, Samuel Knap, John Fishcun, 
James A. Tell, William Kelley, T. D. Williams, 
Charles Smith, George A. Earl, Maskell Bispham, 
Frederick Michael, Henry Schmid, John Hammond, 
William Pfahl, John Pike, George Sahl, George 
Zipp ; George Rogers, musician. 



134: THE SEVENTH KEGIMENT: 



CHAPTER XYL 

The eegiment goes into camp at Alexandria, but is soon 

OEDEEED to THE FEONT. — BatTLE OF AntIETAM. 

After the battle of Cedar Mountain, the red- 
ment took part in the memorable retreat of General 
Pope to the Potomac. During the time, it was not 
engaged in immediate action ; but was exposed, on 
several occasions, to the shell from the enemy's 
batteries. After a fatiguing march of sixteen days, 
it arrived, on the 2d day of September, under the 
guns of the fortifications around Alexandria. On 
the following day it was marched to Arlington 
Heights, to the support of Fort Albany, near which 
it encamped in a beautiful meadow. 

At midnight of the same day an order was re- 
ceived to have the command ready to march at 
half-past eight on the following morning; but it 
did not leave, however, until near noon, when, 
crossing the Potomac to Georgetown, it moved off 
in the direction of Poolesville, bivouacking at night 
five miles from Georgetown. On the following 
iiK'niiiig tlio command started before day had fairly 



A KECORD. 135 

dawned, and passing through Rockville, bivouacked 
at night near the place. On the 5th it moved 
forward, and leaving the small village of Darnst«wn 
on the left, formed in line of battle, fronting Pooles- 
ville, and awaited the advance of the enemy ; but 
he failing to appear in that direction, but threaten- 
ing Pennsylvania, by the way of Frederick, the 
command, on the 9th, broke camp and advanced in 
five columns towards the latter city. After a brief 
skirmish, the advance entered the place on the 12th. 
On the 13th, the regiment crossed the mountains 
into Pleasant Yalley to Middletown. While de- 
scending the side of the mountain, the progress of 
the battle of South Mountain was plainly seen. 
This engagement was fought by the division of 
General Cox, of Reno's corps. These troops won 
great praise for their gallantry and good fighting 
qualities; and the general, an additional star. 

On the 15th, the advance of the Federal army 
drove the enemy in the direction of Boonesboro', 
and through the town towards Sharpsburg. Gen- 
erals Richardson's and Pleasanton's column of cav- 
alry and light artillery proved very annoying to the 
enemy in this day's retreat. 

On the following day, the 16th of September, the 
rebel army took up its position across Antietam 
Creek, and there awaited the approach of the Fed- 
erals. 



136 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT: 

■^ " This position consisted of a series of sharp 
points, rising from the bank of the creek, and ex- 
tending to the rear of Sharpsburg in a succession of 
ridges ; but, when viewed from a point a little in 
front, has the appearance of table-land, the ravines 
being undistinguishable. These points or ridges are 
for the most part surmounted by a heavy copse of 
timber, which furnished admirable shelter for foot- 
soldiers ; while, with batteries flanking each hill, 
the position was all that a general could wish for 
defence. 

" Seeing the strength of the position, McClellan 
sent Hooker^s and Sumner's corps around to the left 
of the enemy's advance position, across Antietam 
Creek, and, ere the close of day, they had succeeded 
in driving him fully a mile. 

" We had lain down in line of battle, expecting 
to remain till the morrow. The tattoo had sounded, 
and an impressive silence had settled upon the 
bivouac, broken only by the tread of tlie alarm- 
guard, as he slowly paced his beat, and the occa- 
sional passing of an orderly, conveying some order 
to be executed on the coming day. Kot long were 
we to rest. Our ears were soon assailed with — 
'-Attention^ First hrigadeP and we were soon in 
line, and moving around to the right, to the support 

* Charles Tennej. 



A EECORD. 137 

of Hooker and Snmner, where we arrived about one 
A. M., and bivouacked upon the ground held by the 
rebels scarce six hours previous. An occasional 
shot or vollev, in an adjoining piece of woods, re- 
minded us of the close proximity of the enemy. 
Nevertheless, the rest of the night was passed quietly 
enough by us. 

" The morning came, fresh and beautiful ; but 
our reveille was not the rattle of the drum, nor the 
clear notes of the bugle. The day was opened by a 
fierce volley of musketry, succeeded by another, and 
yet another, which were soon so continuous as to be 
blended in one unremittent roll. The struggle had 
commenced, and the sun that rose shone upon a 
field ah-eady red with blood. Soon the heavy boom- 
ing of cannon was mingled with the sharp, crackling 
roll of small-arms, and the din was terrific. Hooker 
was engaged, and hotly too. AVe were immediately 
ordered under arms, and advanced in the direction 
of the fight. Halting in easy supporting distance, 
we were given thirty minutes in which to make 
coflfee. At the end of this time the volume of sound 
perceptibly increased, and was becoming nearer. 
The rebels were re-enforced, and were slowly driving 
our men before them. ' Forward,' shouted General 
Mansfield ; and forward we went, in column of 
division, as cool and regular as on drill. Changing 
direction to the left, we advanced through a corn- 



138 THE SEVENTH KEGTMENT: 

field taken bj Hooker the evening previous, and 
which was now held by the rebels, having driven 
our boys back. An open field lay before us, com- 
raanded by the direct and flank fire of the rebel 
artillery, and the left flank of their infantry. Not- 
withstanding the heavy fire we thus suddenly re- 
ceived, the advance was made steadily, and in slow 
time. Arriving at the front, we deployed into line 
of battle. The line now being complete, we ad- 
vanced ; and the work was hegun. N^o halt was 
made until the woods were ours ; but the enemy was 
to be dislodged from behind a rail fence. Then we 
occupied the crest of the hill in the woods, and from 
this point we directed our fire to the fence, where we 
could plainly see them level their pieces at us, and fire. 
" For an hour and a half we thus remained, and 
fought : one side with the energy of despair ; the 
other, with an energy imparted with the conscious- 
ness of right and justice. The contest was fair and 
equal, and the right triumphed. At last the line be- 
gan to waver, and General Green shouted, ' Charge !' 
With a yell of triumph we started, with levelled 
bayonets ; and, terror-stricken, the rebels fled. Like 
hounds after the frightened deer, we pursued them 
fnlly three-fourths of a mile, killing, wounding, and 
taking prisoners almost every rod. Their colors 
fell ; a private soldier leaped forward, and tore 
them from the staff. 



A EECORD. 139 

" Across the fields we pursued the foe, ■who again 
took shelter in a heavy piece of timber, flanked by 
their artillery. A battery of twelve-pounder how- 
itzers came to our support, and most efiicient ser- 
vice it rendered. We formed in two lines in rear of 
the battery, and lay behind a low ridge, sufficiently 
high to protect from a direct shot, but which offered 
no shelter from the fragments of shells bursting near 
to and over us ; these were continually striking 
amongst us, often grazing a cap or an arm, but do- 
ing no particular harm. The howitzers were doing 
splendidly, when suddenly we heard, ' But eight 
rounds left !' Twenty more rounds would silence 
the rebel battery, but we had them not. Soon 
the rebel fire was more rapid, and a yell in the dis- 
tance denoted an advance of their infantry. Shall 
we retreat? No ! we will hold our ground, or die ! 
On they come, yelling defiantly : 'tis A. P. Hill's 
division, second to none but Jackson's. We look 
anxiously for another battery. It comes! It 
comes ! We are safe ! The gallant Eighth Rhode 
Island Battery comes up in splendid style ; our 
ranks open right and left for them, the exhausted 
battery of howitzers wheeling out of line. The 
Farrotts were unlimbered, and shell, five-second 
fuse, called for, and they opened in glorious style. 

"But what means that shout so closely on our 
right ? They have flanked us, and are charging our 



140 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

battery ! A half right wheel was made, and we 
were partially under cover of a narrow ridge. A 
portion of our front rank, with the colors, advanced, 
and opened a fire upon their column, but, as it was 
intended, it only drew them on ; shouting fiercely, 
they dashed forward, expecting to have an easy 
capture. We waited until they were within six 
rods, when, with a yell such as freemen know how 
to give, we rose and poured the contents of our 
rifles into the mass of graybacks emerging from the 
woods. They reeled and staggered for a moment, 
then rallied, and returned our fire for half an hour, 
then wavered. Perceiving this, Lieutenant- Colonel 
Tindell, commanding brigade, ordered a charge. 
As we started, they broke and fled in confusion. 
Our brigade advanced to the woods, but was soon 
replaced by a New Jersey regiment, which quickly 
broke and fled. On came the rebels, yelling and 
exultingly waving their colors, across a field, and 
entered a cornfield to the south, to flank our men 
who were engaging a division. Their triumph was 
short, for they suddenly found themselves nearly 
surrounded by General Franklin's troops, who came 
in from the north and east, over the identical 
ground we fought over, and precipitated themselves 
upon the flank of the enemy, six hundred of whom 
threw down their guns and surrendered, those re- 
maining fleeing in dismay from the field. 



A RECOKD. 141 

"This coup de grace closed the heavy fighting 
upon the right, and we retired from the front, lacer- 
ated but cheerful, feeling that our duty was faith- 
fully performed, and knowing that the rebels were 
defeated." 

The next two days were occupied in burying the 
dead and collecting the wounded. 

On the 19th, the regiment left for Harper's Fer- 
ry, arriving at Maryland Heights on the 20th. A 
few days after it forded the Potomac River, and 
went into j)ermanent camp on Loudon Heights. 

The regiment sustained a loss at the battle of An- 
tietam of five killed and thirty-eight wounded. The 
list is as follows : Killed. — Sergeant James B. Cart- 
er ; Corporal Martin Lazrus ; privates, John Bacon, 
Elbridge F. Meachum, George O. Sherick. Wou7ided. 
— Lieutenant Ernest J. Krieger ; sergeants, George 
A. McKay, Jerry G. Clafilin, Isaac Jones, James 
Hansell ; corporals, Edward Goodsell, Henry H. 
Bailey, Hiram J. Bell, John F. Ely, Austin Bull, 
James Bryant, J. Kurly; privates, George A. Wood, 
Joseph Kubler, Laurine Lamphier, Pliney E. Hill, 
George Steinberger, E. C. Miller, Daniel Weather- 
low, David Everett, Alfred W. Mosley, Averett C. 
Reed, Alson Coe, Alfred E. May, Thomas Woolf, 
Henry Wilcox, George Houck, William Cromwell, 
Caleb Bryant, George Wandal, Nick Bauer, Charles 
Briedenbach, Charles Graiter. 



142 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 



CHAPTER XYII. 

The maeoh to Dumfeies. — Skiemish with Hampton's oat- 
alet, in which they aee badly defeated by a much 

tNFEEIOE FOEOE. 

While at Loudon Heights, the monotony of life 
in camp was relieved by drill, guard, and picket 
duty, with an occasional reconnoissance. On the 
latter occasions some little skirmishing would usu- 
ally occur. An occasional dash was made by the 
rebels upon the Union picket-line. 

Soon after the occupation of this post the grand 
army crossed the Potomac and Shenandoah into the 
Loudon Yalley, on its way to Fredericksburg. We 
copy a description of the march of a regiment in 
Porter's corps.* 

" I have been thinking of the difference between 
soldiering that we read about — fancy soldiering, 
glory and honor soldiering — and real soldiering of 
the rough and tumble kind. How well it sounds 
to read : 'A regiment of brave men marched proudly 

* Lieutenant W. D. Shepherd. 



A BECORD. 143 

througli the streets of Harper's Ferry, to strains of 
sweet music. Gallantly the veterans of a dozen 
battles streamed along, their banners gayly floating 
in the breeze ; they go to join the Army of the Po- 
tomac.' What is it when divested of its trimmings ? 
' About three hundred and fifty of what once was 
a regiment one thousand strong, went through 
Harper's Ferry to-day. In vain the tum, tum, tum 
of the drum, at the head of the column, urged the 
men to keep time. Wearied, worn out by contin- 
ued tramping, loaded down with their knapsacks, 
three days' rations in their haversacks, and the pros- 
pect of a long march before them, slowly they 
dragged themselves along; their torn and tattered 
flag, as well as soiled clothes, giving evidence of 
hard service.' Again let us quote : ' At evening 
they halted, and bivouacked for the night; re- 
freshed and ready at early dawn to continue the line 
of march.' Sift that a little — that bivouac. Almost 
worn out with incessa*nt and continued tramping 
through mud, and muck, and mire, great clumps of 
which would stick and cleave on to the shoe at 
every step, the night fast closing in, the column 
halted ; slowly the lingering mass closed up, stacked 
arms, and broke ranks. Some, too tired to make a 
fire and cook food, threw themselves on the cold, 
damp ground, and, with their blankets wrapped 
around them, shivered to sleep; others, having 



IM THE SEVENTH KEGIMENT: 

eaten scarcely any thing all day, threw off their 
cumbrous loads, and started, in the now dark night, 
in search of wood and water. An old fire-scorched 
tin cup answers for a coffee-pot as well as tea-kettle. 
Into it the water, muddy with the feet of perhaps a 
thousand water-hunting tired ones, is put; and 
while the coffee is boiling, a piece of fat pork is 
drawn from the haversack, and a slice cut off; a 
long stick, pointed, on which the slice is secured, 
and frizzling, sizzling, half burned, half cooked, 
ready when the coffee is. The pork, coffee, and 
hard bread form, for the hundredth time, the meal 
of the hungry soldier. Perhaps on the roadside, 
right in the mud, glad in truth to lie anywhere, one 
after another drops his wearied form. The heavy 
rain conies down in torrents, wetting him through 
and through, but tired nature heeds it not — must 
have rest. 

" Early dawn comes. Again the pork, coffee, and 
hard bread ; and the stiffened, sore, leg-weary pa- 
triot buckles on his saturated knapsack, and, like 
a foundered horse, limps achingly along till he gets 
heated up, with the same prospect before him of 
twenty miles tramp — clamp — tramp." 

On the 10th day of December the regiment left 
Bolivar Heights, crossed the Shenandoah on a pon- 
toon, and winding round the bluff of Loudon, passed 
up the Loudon Yalley. 



A EECORD. 14.5 

While passing tbrongli Ilillsboro', the command 
was giv^en, bj Lieutenant Shepherd to his men, to 
" Close up ! — get into your places !" General 
Geary, on foot and unobserved, had marched 
along just in rear of the company. Hearing the 
command, he remarked : " Well, here is a vacant 
place, I guess I'll fill it up ;" and stepped into 
the place. He marched, in this manner, some 
distance, talking freelj^ with those nearest him, 
at the same time obeying orders promptly. 

The regiment encamped about a mile beyond 
Hillsboro'. 

Bright and early on the following morning the 
command moved on. Leaving the battle-field where 
the brave Kearney fell, and Fairfax on the left, 
on the 15th it arrived in sight of the Lower Poto- 
mac, and encamped after crossing Naabsco Creek. 

Having passed Dumfries on the iTth, an order 
came that the Fifth, Seventh, and Sixty-sixth regi- 
ments, under command of Colonel Candy, should 
march back and hold that post. On the following 
day, crossing Powell's Creek, two hours' march 
brought the brigade in the outskirts of Dumfries, 
where it went into camp. 

!N"othing transpired worthy of mention until the 
27tli of December, when the heavy booming of 
cannon w^as heard in the vicinity of the picket-lino, 
it was evident that the enemy were making a 



14G THE SEVENTH EEaiMENT: 

desceut on the pickets. For several days this 
attack had been expected, therefore in a few min- 
utes the command was ready and in line of hat- 
tie. The pickets gradually gave way, under the 
command of the indomitable Creighton, fighting 
their way back to the line of battle, in which they 
took position. The rebels came gallantly forward, 
in anticipation of an easy victory. When within 
short-range of our guns, they were met by such 
a terrible fire of musketry from our partially 
concealed line, as to check their advance. They, 
however, rallied, and returned the fire ; but in a 
moment staggered, and finally withdrew in confu- 
sion from the field. Again forming their broken 
columns, they hurled themselves against our line. 
They were again met by a determined front, and, 
with a like result, were sent, broken and mangled, 
back upon their reserves. A third time reforming 
their wasted ranks, they came down with great 
impetuosity, and hurled their solid columns against 
the weak lines of the Federals. They were again 
met with a sheet of flame, which sent up its 
column of blue smoke along the entire front. 
For a moment it was impossible to tell the 
effect produced on the rebels ; but the smoke 
clearing away before a light breeze, it was dis- 
covered tliat their advance had been arrested. 
One more united effort, and the rebel line was 



A RECOED. 147 

again sent back crushed and bleeding. They again 
organized for a last desperate charge, and most 
gallantly did they sweep down upon our line. 
Up the hill and over the brush and logs, which 
lay in their way, with wild impetuosity, w^hich 
threatened to crush every thing before them. 
Aware of the avalanche that was sweeping down 
upon them, the Union boys hugged the ground, 
awaiting, with breathless anxiety, the command 
to fire. At last the stentorian voice of the sturdy 
Crane was heard to shout the order, when a band 
of patriots, their eyes kindled to a blaze with the 
ardor of their daring, with strong muscles and 
steady nerves, rose, and with a shout that made 
the gray hills of old Dumfries echo, poured a vol- 
ley of death into the rebel host. Disdaining to 
again take refuge under cover, the line stood 
jmanfuUy up, and met the continued onsets of the 
foe. The brave Creighton stood on a hill exposed 
to the fire — how could men falter while the noble 
form of their leader was thus bared to the bullets 
of the enemy ? They did not falter ; but the line 
stood like a wall. The rebels were soon seen to 
waver, and as the night " cast its mantle over 
the combatants," they tardily and solemnly with- 
drew, bearing with them the lacerated, bleeding 
victims to their endurance. 

At night the line was drawn in, and after making 



148 THE SEVENTH KEGIMENT*. 

evcrv t-iiovt for the security of the command, the 
boys L\y down upon their arms, harassed by an 
oppressive uncertainty which always liaunts the 
soldier in the bivouac upon the battle-field. . 

During that long night the lonely picket-guard 
peered out into the darkness, intent upon catching 
the first footfall of the cautious foe. Slowly and 
with careful tread he paced his weary beat, fear- 
ful that he might be pounced upon by the wily 
enemy ere he could give the alarm to his slumber- 
ing companions. Through rain, and sleet, and 
darkness — oppressed with the solemn stillness that 
at night hangs over the earth — with a sense of lone- 
liness weighing upon his feelings — he stood like a 
spectre in the gloom, the guardian of the thousands 
slumbering in the camp. While others dream of 
home, and friends, and firesides, afar oflf on the 
hills of !N"ew England, or the starlit prairies of 
the West, the wakeful picket keeps his vigil. May 
God protect him in his watch ! 

As day again dispelled the shadow^s that dark- 
ened the hills and the valleys, the columns of the 
brave Sigel were seen winding their way through 
the village. A shout of welcome greeted these 
heroes. The dreadful suspense that had weighed 
upon the hearts of the combatants of the day 
before, during that long night of watching, now 
gave place to cheerfulness i and confidence was 



A RECORD. 149 

again restored. But the cautions Hampton liad 
fled ; and nothing met the eye save the frowning 
hills. 

The following is the list of killed and wounded 
in this affair : 

Kitted. — Corporal Austin Eall, 

Wounded. — Corporal E. M. Corrdett; privates, 
Sylvester Carter, Philip Grigsby, Thomas Roff, 
Wm. P. Root, Wm. H. Kibbee, W. M. Perry, 
Stephen Willock. 

Prisoners. — John Gordon, Andrew Atleff, Rich- 
ard M. Vreeland, Douglass F. Pomeroy, Henry T. 
Benton, Lewis T. Butts, Henry Alderman, Charles 
Bradly, James Snider, John Beiler, W". M. Perry. 



150 THE SEYENTH EEGIMENT: 



CHAPTER XYHI. 

The regiment oedeeed to the feont. — Battle of Chan- 
cellobsville. 

Near the middle of April, 1863, the regiment 
marched down to Aqnia Landing, where it re- 
mained in camp for two weeks. 

General Hooker was now in command of the 
grand Army of the Potomac, having relieved 
Burnside after that general's unsuccessful attack on 
Fredericksburg. Plooker resolved to make an at- 
tempt to drive the rebel army from the vicinity of 
the Rappahannock. Burnside's failure had demon- 
strated the impracticability of crossing the river at 
Fredericksburg ; for no army was safe for a mo- 
ment with a strong army behind three lines of 
well-constructed earthworks in its front, and a wide 
and deep river in its rear. He therefore chose a 
flank movement by the way of Banks and United 
States fords, thus striking the left flank of the en- 
emy, near Chancellorsville Court-house, and avoid- 
ing their strong fortifications in the rear of Fred- 
ericksburg. 

The Seventh Regiment arrived in the vicinity of 



A EECORD. 151 

Chancellorsville on the afternoon of tlic 30th of 
April, and encamped for the night a little southeast 
of the latter place, and near the Fredericksburg 
plankroad. 

Early on Friday morning it was ordered forward, 
and took position in the second line of battle, in an 
open wood-lot, facing south. Late in the afternoon 
it was ordered back ; and it finally took position 
directly south of the famous brick house, called the 
Chancellorsville Place, where headquarters were es- 
tablished and maintained during most of the action. 
Just before dark the rebels came up in great 
numbers, in an attack on Knapp's Battery, which 
was stationed on the left. The Seventh was or- 
dered to its support, but the attack was repelled 
before the regiment became warmly engaged. It re- 
mained in support of this battery during the night 
and in the forenoon of the following day. About 
noon of the 2d of May, the regiment was ordered 
forward to support a line of skirmishers ; but this 
line, refusing to advance, was passed by the regi- 
ment, when it took the advance, and most hand- 
somely drove the enemy back for some distance, 
holding the ground for several hours, when it was 
ordered to retire. It did so without confusion, 
taking a new position in rear of a piece of woods, 
where it remained until ordered into the intrench- 
ments. 



152 THE SEYENTH REGIMENT: 

During this advance, the right wing was hotly 
engaged, and lost heavily ; the left wing suffering 
slightly. It remained during the night in its old 
position near the brick house, in the second line of 
battle. 

On the 3d, the regiment advanced to what is 
known as the "the old rifle-pit," which it occupied 
while the other troops were falling back across a 
cleared field south of the Fredericksburg plankroad. 
Here it was exposed to a galling fire from the 
advancing rebel column ; but it stood firm. When 
the balance of the troops of the brigade were in 
proper position, it formed under the protection of a 
batter}', and slowly moved off the field, exposed to 
a terrible fire of botli musketry and artillery, taking 
up its position in rear of the brigade. The brigade, 
however, was soon driven back, and passed to the 
rear of the regiment, exposing it to a severe fire. 
Soon the order came for a general advance, when 
the brigade, with a loud shout, dashed at the foe, 
led by the Seventh. The rebels were pushed back 
for a considerable distance ; but no support coming 
up, the brigade was com])elled to fall back to the 
south of the brick house, where it halted, and laid 
down in the road ; but about eleven o'clock at 
night the shelling became so continuous and heavy 
that it was forced still further back, and finally 
resulting in its withdrawal to the vicinity of United 



A EECORD. 153 

States Ford. That night the regiment occupied 
a rifle-pit about half a mile from the river. At 
four o'clock in the afternoon of the 5th, it was 
relieved bj the Fifth Ohio ; and taking a circuitous 
route, arrived in a ravine on the left of the column, 
and near the river, and was soon after employed in 
the intrenchments. 

Early in the morning of the 6th, the regiment 
crossed the river on a pontoon at United States 
Ford, and in the afternoon of the Ttli arrived at its 
old camp at Aquia Landing. 

In this battle the regiment was actively en- 
gaged but a small portion of the time. The loss 
was not severe, when taking into account the mag- 
nitude of the engagement, and its duration-. 

Why the army recrossed the river has not been 
fully explained. The immediate battle was not a 
defeat; at least it has not been considered as such. 
However, the two columns of Sedgwick and Hooker 
failed to unite, which fact may have had an in- 
fluence in determining the retreat. The attacks 
of the enemy had been repulsed at all points, 
while Sedgwick had carried a portion of their for- 
tifications in rear of Fredericksburg. The retreat 
alone turned a prospective victory into a humili- 
ating defeat. The grand army failed to accomplish 
the purpose of its advance, and was compelled to 

hasten its march across the river in retreat, over 

7* 



154 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

wliicli it had, but a week before, advanced in tri- 
umph. It can be said by way of apology only, 
that while at Chancellorsville the army maintained 
its reputation for bravery and endurance, the en- 
emy manifestly looked upon it as a fruitless victory 
to him. 

The following is a list of the killed and wounded : 
Killed. — Orderly-Sergeant Henry Whiting ; Col- 
or-Sergeant John D. Creigh ; Corporal A. C. Trim- 
mer; privates, Charles H. Cheeney, E. N. Larom, 
Henry A. Pratt, John Randle, Almon Lower, John 
Lee, Stafford Penney, Thomas Carle, A. C. Stead- 
man, V^ictor Perrley, Henry Ackman. 

Wou7ided. — Orderly-Sergeant Elmon Hingston ; 
sergeants, H. H. Bailey, John S. Davis, James Lap- 
ham, H. L. Allen ; corporals, A. A. Austin, John 
Gardiner, S. M. Cole, J. S. Kellogg ; privates, W. 
Furniss, H. Owen, F. Eldridge, W. Yan Wye, E. C. 
Palmer, D. L. Hunt, E. V. Nash, Henry H. Pierce, 
O. Jackman, C. A. Wood, H. S. Smalley, Charles 
P. Smith, S. P, Sherley, F. Rockefellow, Frank 
Eaudal, Joseph Kubler, Michael St. Auge, David 
Boil, James Dixon, Oliver Wise, James Farron, 
G. Breakman, F. Mauley, John Shelby, Andrew 
Copeland, S. G. Cone, W. W. Hunt, E. Kennedy, 
H. G. Benton, A. S. Raymond, C. A. Parks, Isaac 
Stratton, II. Thwing, James Baxter, J. W. Benson, 
S. Hughes, P. Smith, S. A. Fuller, F. Hank, John 



A EECORD. 155 

Clonde,E. O. Whiting, G. W. Bonn, S. H. Barnum, 
J. C. Brooks, W. H. Fox, I. H. Gregg, W. Hunter, 
H. Jones, S. Moneysniith, S. S. Pelton, B, Wilson, 
D. W. Waters, W. H. Bannister, H. Lewis, W. J. 
Evans, C. L. Cowdcn, PI. Hoffman, S. Renz, M. 
Saiser, E. A. Spurn, L. Knoble. 



156 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT : 



CHAPTEE XIX. 

Accompanies the geand aemy into Pennsylvania. — Battle 
OF Gettysburg. 

After the battle of Chancellorsville, the regi- 
ment remained for some time in its camp at Aqnia 
Landing. The Army of the Potomac, as well as 
that of Lee, was quietly reorganizing, preparatory 
to another strnggle. Soon Lee began to threaten 
the outer line of Hooker, by making demon- 
strations on the various fords of the Rappahan- 
nock. At one time threatening to move boldly 
across, and at another menacing the flank, as if to 
attack one wing of the army. These various move- 
ments gave rise to sharp skirmishes, nothing more. 
At last it was evident that Lee meant an invasion 
of the North. The Army of the Potomac was 
therefore set in motion. 

The Seventh left its camp early in June, and pro- 
ceeded to Martinsburg by the way of Fairfax. 
Lee continuing his flank movement, the e-rand 
army was compelled to fall back across the Poto- 
mac ; the Seventh crossing at Edward's Ferry. 
The rebel army now crossed the river by the way 



A RECORD. 157 

of Williamsport, and moved forward towards Penn- 
sylvania. The Army of the Potomac moved in tlie 
same direction, passing through Frederick City, 
Maryland, and taking up its position in rear of 
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The line of battle was 
formed a little distance from and facing the town. 
On the first day of July the rebel army advanced 
and occupied the town, but the day was exhausted 
in manoeuvring, attended with slight skirmishing 
between the advance of the two armies. 

Hooker had been relieved, and General Meade 
ordered to assume command. 

After the Seventh arrived on the field it took its 
position on the left side of the Gettysburg and Lit- 
tletown pike. 

Early on the morning of the 2d it took a position 
on a hill on the right of this road, at the same time 
sending Company II to the front, under command 
of Captain- McClelland. This company remained 
at the front during the entire day. For the first 
time in its history, the regiment occupied a posi- 
tion under cover, a stone wall being in its front. 
Up to this time it had not been exposed to the fire 
of infantry ; but during the afternoon it sufi'ered 
slight loss from a brisk artillery fire. At eleven 
o'clock at night it advanced down the pike, and 
took a position in a hollow, running at right angles 
with the road. It was now exposed to a musketry 



158 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

fire, resulting in the wounding of one man. It 
soon fell back to a stone wall, parallel with a road 
leading to the pike ; and shortly after it advanced 
to 'this road, from which twenty men were sent 
forward as skirmishers, under command of Ser- 
geant Stratton. This gallant soldier was mor- 
tally wounded while bravely leading his com- 
mand against the foe. 

On the morning of the 3d the regiment moved 
forward, after having called in the skirmishers, 
to the relief of the Sixtieth ISTew York Yolunteers, 
occupying a line of intrenchments. In the evening 
it was relieved, and withdrew to the breastworks in. 
the rear ; but was soon after ordered forward to 
the relief of another regiment, where it remained 
until late in the evening. During the entire day 
it was exposed to a heavy fire of musketry, from 
which it suff'ered considerable loss, considering the 
position it occupied. "When relieved, it withdrew 
to the position held by it in the morning. 

At one o'clock on the morning of the 4th of July, 
it again moved forward to the intrenchments, where 
it remained till the brigade moved ofi" in the direc- 
tion of Littletown. 

The following incidents occurred July the 3d : 
"While occupying the intrenchments, a white flag 
was seen fiying from the front of the enemy's lines. 
The firing being suspended, seventy-eight rebels 



A RECORD. 159 

came forward and surrendered, including six offi- 
cers. Lieutenant Leigh, of- Swell's staff, came for- 
ward and endeavored to stop the surrender ; but 
was fired upon by the regiment, and instantly 
killed. 

Corporal John Pollock leaped over the breast- 
works and captured the flag of the Fourteenth 
Virginia rebel regiment. 

Private James J. Melton was wounded, and af- 
terwards taken to a hospital, where he remained 
for some time; since which his friends have heard 
nothing from him. The wound being in the head, 
he is supposed to have become deranged and wan- 
dered away, unable to give any account of himself. 
No means have been left untried to obtain infor- 
mation of his whereabouts, but without avail. 

The regiment having fought under partial cover, 
the loss was slight : one killed and seventeen 
wounded. 



160 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 



CHAPTEE XX. 

Aptee eeaohing the EAproAN IT GOES TO Goveenoe's Island. 

— AfTEE its EETTJEN it A000MPANIE3 HoOKEE's OOEPS TO 
THE WeSTEEN DEPAETMENT. 

After the battle of Gettysburg, the regiment was 
with the grand array in pursuit of the broken 
columns of General Lee. Passing through Fred- 
erick City, it arrived at Harper's Ferry and went 
into camj). Here it remained for two days, when 
it moved across the Potomac, and again passing 
up the beautiful Loudon Yalley, crossed the Blue 
Ridge to Fairfax and Manassas Junction, over the 
old battle-field of Bull Run. Again taking up the 
line of march, it crossed the Ra2:»pahannock below 
Culpepper Court-house, and encamped on the banks 
of the Rapidan. 

About this time a riot broke out in New York 
city, which required the presence of the military, 
as an assistance to the civil authorities. The 
Government was therefore called upon to furnish 
troops. Several regiments were at once dispatched 
to the scene of strife. Among tliese was the 
Seventh. It left the vicinity of the Rapidan about 



A E E C E D . 161 

one week after its arrival there. It marched to 
Alexandria, and there taking tlie United States ship 
Baltic, passed down the Potomac through Chesa- 
peake Bay to the ocean, arriving on Governor's 
Island in the latter part of August. It remained 
nntil the first of September, when again embarking, 
it sailed to Alexandria, from whence it marched to 
the Rapidan, near its old camp. 

General Bosecrans had now been removed from 
the command of the Army of the Cumberland, and 
General Grant assumed control. The army oc- 
cupied the vicinity of Chattanooga, Tennessee ; 
while the rebel army under General Bragg oc- 
cupied Mission Ridge, immediately in front of and 
overlooking the city. The task of driving Bragg 
from this position was assigned to General Grant. 

Before entering upon this campaign, however, 
it was necessary to re-enforce the Army of the 
Cumberland ; for it had not entirely recovered from 
the disastrous battle of Chickamauga. For this 
purpose it was necessary to draw on the Army of 
the Potomac, now lying idle on the banks of the 
Bapidan. At this time this army had, positively 
speaking, accomplished nothing. It had barely 
saved "Washington from the enemy. To be sure, it 
had seen many hard-fought battles, and on all oc- 
casions sustained its reputation for courage and 
endurance. But the results following these battles 



162 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT : 

were entirely negative ; and after more than two 
years of marches, counter-marches, sieges, and 
battles, when graves had been dug from the Poto- 
mac to the James, and filled with the best blood of 
the land, and the country left in mourning for her 
fallen braves, but little territory had been gained, 
and the possession of this little being constantly 
disputed by a well-organized and gallant arm}^ 
A sort of fatality had thus settled down upon the 
Army of the Potomac. Some of the best generals 
had been summoned to its command, but to no 
purpose. The hand of fate rested upon it heavily. 
When about to seize upon victory, some stream 
would rise in its rear, or some unseen accident 
happen to its communications or line of supplies, 
compelling it to let go its hold on victory, and in 
its stead to accept defeat. 'No wonder, then, that 
the authorities saw fit to send a part of this not 
very promising army to a department where victory 
sometimes rested upon the Federal arms. Hooker's 
corps was therefore ordered to report to Grant. 

The Seventh being a part of this command, left 
its camp on the Rapidan in the latter part of Sep- 
tember, and moving up to Washington, passed over 
to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, when it left 
for ISTashville, Tennessee, by the way of Columbus, 
Indianapolis, and Louisville. It soon after left for 
Wartrays, by the way of Murfreesboro'. It was 



A EECORD. 163 

now ordered to construct winter-quarters, but 
having them nearly completed, it was ordered to 
Bridgeport, Alabama, where it arrived in due time. 
This entire trip from the East was accomplished 
without any delay, and nothing occurring to lessen 
the good opinion the people entertained for this 
veteran corps. 



164 THE SEVENTH BEGIMENT: 



CHAPTER XXI. 

The Seventh joins Grant's aemt. — The battles of Lookout 
Mountain, Mission Ridoe, and Ringgold. 

After remaining for some time at Bridgeport, 
the regiment was ordered to the vicinity of Lookout 
Mountain, It marched to the little village of 
Wahatcha, at the base of this mountain, and went 
into camp. It remained, however, but a short time, 
and then returned to Bridgeport, where it went into 
permanent camp. 

Late in the fall. General Grant had perfected his 
arrangements to attack the rebel stronghold on 
Lookout Mountain ; and, as a preparatory measure, 
his vast army was concentrated in the vicinity of 
Chattanooga. An immense quantity of stores had 
been gathered, while garrisons were placed at points 
to be held for the purpose of keeping up communi- 
cation with the army after its advance. Early in 
November, the Seventh left its quarters in Alabama, 
and joined the grand army. 

On the 24th of November, the army was set in 
motion. Tlie Seventh passed uj) the northern slope 
of the mountain, and crossing Lookout Creek, 



A RECORD. 165 

formed in line of battle. It now steadily advanced, 
srriviug at the rebel camp to find it in the hands of 
cur men. But desultory firing was kept up by the 
•ebel sharpshooters concealed in the timber and 
behind rocks on the summit of the mountain. The 
regiment was now ordered on picket. Passing 
around to the east side of the mountain, it was fired 
upon by the enemy ; but owing to their being 
entirely hidden from view by the dense fog that 
had settled oyer the combatants, it did not return 
the fire, but secured a safe harbor behind rocks and 
trees. This fire was kept up for nearly two hours, 
with a loss to the regiment of only four men 
wounded. Before night the regiment was relieved 
from duty and marched to the rear, bivouacking in 
a peach orchard. 

About ten a. m. of the 25th, it moved down the 
opposite side of the mountain, and passing through 
a small valley, soon reached Mission Ridge. With- 
out halting, the command moved steadily up this 
mountain, and on arriving on its summit, found 
that the rebels had fled. Passing into another 
valley, it bivouacked for the night. On the 26th, 
the command moved to the vicinity of Pigeon 
Mountain, where it remained till the following day. 
Early on the morning of the 27th, it moved on to 
Kinggold, Georgia, where it found the enemy securely 
posted on Taylor's Ridge. On arriving in this town, 



166 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT : 

the brigade was ordered to scale the mountain. It 
was formed on the railroad, in two lines of battle ; 
the second line being ordered to preserve a distance 
of one hundred yards. Two Pennsylvania regi- 
ments formed the first line, and the Sixty-sixth and 
Seventh Ohio the second line ; the Seventh being 
on the left. The enemy soon discovered the inten- 
tion of our troops, and made his dispositions to 
meet the attack by extending his right. As soon 
as the advance began, the enemy opened fire. Ar- 
riving at the foot of the hill, the first line halted to 
return the fire, and the second line passed through. 
The Seventh now moved into a ravine, where it was 
exposed to a terrible fire from the front and both 
flanks, but it pressed on without firing a shot. Ar- 
riving almost on the crest of the hill, the fire 
became too efi'ective for even these gallant veterans 
to withstand, and the line gave way, fighting as it 
went. In this manner, the surviving few reached 
the foot of the hill. 

This engagement was short, but terrible in its 
results to the regiment. It may be said that with 
this struggle its star of glory began to fade — its 
pride and spirit were broken. But one ofiicer 
escaped uninjured, while many were killed. Tlie 
number of men in the action was two hundred and 
six, of whom fourteen was killed and forty-nine 
wounded. 



A EECORD. 167 

For what purpose this handful of men were 
ordered to storm the enemy's position on the hill 
has never been explained. There was no artillery 
used to cover the assault, without which it was 
impossible to carry the position with such a force, 
and hazardous to attempt it with any. "Within a short 
distance there was a large amount of artillery, 
which could have been placed in position, after 
which Taylor's Ridge would have been untenable 
by the enemy. On seeing such dispositions being 
made, he would probably have anticipated the 
movement, and fled without firing a gun. But 
thus far Hooker and his almost invincible corps 
had carried every thing before them. This success 
seemed to bring with it a contempt for the rebel 
soldiers, which finally resulted in the great disaster 
at Taylor's Kidge. A good general will resist the 
influences growing out of success, and not be led 
by these to undertake impossibilities, and by such 
rashness endanger that which he has already gained. 
It requires greater self-control to resist the tempta- 
tions following victory, than to overcome the de- 
moralizing influences of defeat. Victory must 
never elate a general, while defeat must never de- 
press him. 

After this battle, an unsuccessful attempt was 
made to get the regiment ordered home. But the 
response of Halleck, to a similar application, made 



1G8 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT: 

after the battle of Cedar Mountain, was reiterated. 
" No !" said the old warrior j- " not so long as there 
is a lame drummer-boy left ; not if you will send 
us a whole new regiment in place of this handful. 
We know these men — they are just such as we 
want." This compliment, from an officer who was 
in command of all of the armies of the United 
States, was worth many a hard march, as well as 
battle. 

The following is a list of the killed and wounded 
in the three battles of Lookout Mountain, Mission 
Ridge, and Taylor's Ridge : 

Killed. — Colonel W. R. Creighton ; Lieutenant- 
Colonel O. J. Crane ; Adjutant Moris Baxter ; 
second-lieutenants, Isaac C. Jones and Joseph 
Cryne ; sergeants, J. C. Corlet, William Yan Wye ; 
corporals, Alfred Austin, W. H. Bennett ; privates, 
C. F. King, C. E. Wall, D. P. Wood, J. L. Fish, 
Thomas Sweet, Oliver Grinds, Lawrence Remmel, 
n. Hanson, J. H. Merrill, William Pfiiel. 

Wounded. — Captains, W. D. Braden, Samuel 
McClelland ; first-lieutenants, George A. McKay, 
George D. Lockwood ; second-lieutenants, D: II. 
Brown, E. 11. Bohm, II. N. Spencer, Christian 
Nesper ; sergeants, M. M. Cutler, John Gardner, 
L. Wilson, Isaac Stratton, Elmore Ilemkston ; cor- 
porals, James W. Raymond, E. Y. Nash, John 
Baptee, C. Glendenning, Hiram Deeds, Thomas 



A RECORD. 169 

Dowse, George Spencer, William Senfert, J. E. 
Hine, W. H. Petton, J. II. Cleverton, H. C. Hunt, 
M. H. Sheldon, John Phillips, W. O. Barnes, M. 
Fitzgerald, J. Tiittle, George Eikler, W. J. Lowrie, 
11. O. Pixley, W. II. Johnson, John Bergin, W. 
Wise, H. B. Pownell, J. N. Hall, Y. Reynolds, 
R. White, H. Wright, E. D. Gates, Otis Martin, 
Joseph Kincaid, W. O. Johnson, J. Decker, J. 
Hall, C. Cowden, D. F. Dow, George Mandall, H. 
Fezer, George Raynette, L. Habbig, John Schwinck, 
Joseph Rowe, C. Deitz. 

The following were wounded at Lookout Moun- 
tain : 

John H. Galvin, M. C. Stone, M. W. Bartlett, 
James A. Garrison, Louis Owen, A. Gordon. 



170 THE SETENTH REGIMENT: 



CHAPTER XXII. 

The advance towards Atlanta. — Skiemishing. — Homewaed 
MAEon. — Its eeception. — Mustek out. 

The series of successes in the vicinity of Chatta- 
nooga made Grant a lieutenant-general, and gave 
Sherman the command of the armies in Tennessee. 
Preparations were now made to press back the 
forces marshalled in rebellion at all points. Early 
in the spring the ball was opened in the East by 
Lieutenant-General Grant in person, while in the 
West the indomitable Sherman set his invincible 
army in motion towards the very heart of the so- 
called Confederacy. The advance was sounded, 
and the Union hosts pressed onward. 

By sunset on the lYth of May the Seventh Regi- 
ment reached Calhoun, and on the lOtli the vicinity 
of Cassville, where it hastily threw up some breast- 
works ; but after two hours was ordered forward in 
line of battle. On the 23d it passed through the 
latter village, across the railroad, and at four p. m., 
arrived on the banks of the Etawa River; and after 
fording the stream, bivouacked for the night. On 



A EECORD. 171 

the 25th it took the advance of the entire column, 
and deployed seven companies as skirmishers. The 
march of these companies was very toilsome, and 
their progress correspondingly slow. Kear Pnmp- 
kin Vine Creek the advance was fired upon by the 
enemy's pickets, and a sharp skirmish ensued. 
During this time the enemy attempted to destroy 
the bridge over the creek, but were driven back 
by the regiment; when it immediately crossed, and 
took possession of a commanding hill. 

Generals Hooker and Geary, with staff and body- 
guard, had moved forward with the skirmish-line, 
and sometimes in advance even of this. On one of 
the latter occasions the body-guard was fired u^Don, 
and the three reserve companies of the Seventh 
were ordered to their relief. 

Tlie advance of the enemy was now held in check 
until the other regiments of the brigade came up, 
when he was dispersed. 

In this skirmish, one man was killed and eight 
wounded. At this point the command threw up 
some breastworks, where it remained until six p.m., 
when it advanced in line of battle. In this move- 
ment the regiment became hotly engaged, losing 
tliree killed and fifteen wounded. One of the ene- 
my's shell exploding in the ranks, occasioned the 
loss of eight men. On the 28th and the previous 
night, considerable skirmishing was kept up in 



172 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT: 

front of the line of intrencliments, as well as some 
sharp artillery firing ; which, however, did very lit- 
tle damage. These pieces were soon silenced by a 
Kew York battery. All day and night of the 
SOtli the regiment was engaged in sharp skirmish- 
ing ; but one man, however, was injured, and he 
severely. On the 2d of June it moved forward to 
AUatoona, Georgia, where it built breastworks, and 
went into camp. 

Here it remained for some time, when its term of 
service having expired, it hastened its steps home- 
ward ; thus severing the connecting link between it 
and the army. The members of this veteran regi- 
ment now felt that they were no longer soldiers : 
that, although they retained the organization and 
uniform of a regiment, they were private citizens 
hastening to enjoy home and friends, from which 
they had been so long separated. They marched 
with joyous hearts, and yet there was sadness pres- 
ent with this happiness. Many a comrade was 
left behind, never to return. Fresh graves marked 
its line of march from Chattanooga to Georg-ia. 
Friends and kindred were sleeping beneath these 
green mounds, and they could not pass them by, in 
this homeward march, without a tear of regret. 

Following the line of the railroad, the regiment 
linally halted and awaited transportation. When 
this was furnished, it went to Nashville by railroad, 



A RECOED. 173 

at which place it embarked on steamers and started 
down the Cumberland River. Arriving in the 
vicinity of Harpeth Shoals, it was fired on bj 
guerrillas, and two men wounded. Both officers 
and men were desirous of landing and punishing 
this band of outlaws for their insolence, but could 
not prevail on the captain of the boat to permit it. 

Arriving in the Ohio River, Sergeant Trembly 
fell from the boat and was drowned. This was a 
sad occurrence. He had served faithfully during 
the service of the regiment ; and now, on the eve of 
being mustered out, he lost his life by accident. 
The boat was stopped, and efforts made to rescue 
him, but without success. 

When the regiment reached Cincinnati, the Fifth 
Ohio had already arrived. The city being about 
to give an ovation to this gallant regiment, the 
Seventh was invited to take part in it, by partaking 
of the hospitality of the city. This demonstration, 
in honor of the two regiments, was eminently fitting, 
for they were united by tlie ties of long fellowship. 
From the very first they had been brigaded to- 
gether. The history of the one was the history of 
the other. They had marched, bivouacked, and 
fought side by side. Each prized the honor and 
renown of the other not less than its own. The city 
of Cincinnati, in thus extending its hospitality to 
the Seventh Regiment, did much credit to itself. 



174 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

The friends of the regiment will remember this mag- 
nanimous conduct, while the members of the regi- 
ment w^ill keep green the memory of the gallant 
Fifth. 

The following is from the Cleveland Herald, of 
the 11th of June : 

" On Saturday afternoon, soon after the evening 
papers had been issued, a dispatch Avas received, 
announcing that the Seventh Ohio had but just 
left Cincinnati, and would not arrive in Cleveland 
until about seven o'clock Sunday morning. Bulle- 
tins to this effect were at once printed, and dis- 
tributed through the city ; but a large crowd of 
persons, not aware of this fact, came down to watch 
the arrival of the evening train, on which the Sev- 
enth was supposed to be coming. 

" On Sunday morning the population of the city 
were early astir, and by seven o'clock a large and 
continually increasing crowd had assembled in and 
around the depot. The police, in full uniform, 
marched down to the depot, and were followed by 
the old members of the Seventh, bearing the second 
regimental flag, the first having been deposited in 
the State-house at Columbus. 

" At seven o'clock the ringing of the fire-bells 
announced the approach of the time for the arrival 
of the train ; and about half-past seven o'clock a 
salute from the guns, manned by the Brooklyn 



A RECORD. 175 

Artilleiy, and run down to the bluff at the foot of 
Water-street, announced the arrival of the train. 

" As it moved into the depot it was received with 
cheers by the assembled crowd ; and the war-worn 
veterans were soon out of the cars, and surrounded 
by anxious and joyful friends. Shouts of welcome, 
hearty hand-shaking, embraces and kisses, were 
showered ujDon the sun-browned soldiers. Many of 
the scenes were very affecting. In one place a 
young wife, whose husband had left for the field 
just after their marriage, hung with clinging em- 
brace on her returned brave, and her moist eyes 
sought his with unutterable affection, her hands 
trembling with excess of joy. In another, an old 
man, with both hands grasped in those of his son, 
mingled smiles of joy over his returned boy, with 
tears of sorrow for the one who had laid down his 
life for his country. Mothers clung to sons, sisters 
to brothers, wives to husbands, and some little 
children climbed up for a father's embrace. 

" The number all told, men and ofiicers, of those 
who returned, was two hundred and forty-five. 
These were the remnants of nearly eleven hundred 
men, who left Camp Dennison three years ago, on 
the reorganization of the regiment. The whole 
number of the regiment is five hundred and one, 
of whom the remainder were recruited at various 
times, and their term of service not expired. Sixty 



176 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

of these were left in Sherman's army ; the rest are 
scattered in every direction, from the James River 
to Atlanta. The greater part of those whose terra 
of service has not expired are to be consolidated 
with the same class in the Fifth Ohio, which fought 
by its side in many a bloody fray, and which is to 
retain its nnmber. The slightly wounded were 
brought np with the regiment, the more seriously 
wounded being left in different hospitals. 

" The following is the present organization of the 
Seventh : 

" Lieutenant-colonel, Sam. McClelland ; surgeon. 
Dr. Bellows ; assistant surgeon, Dr. Ferguson ; 
Captain Wilcox, Company E ; Captain Kreiger, 
Company K ; Captain Clark, Company B ; Captain 
Howe, Company A ; Captain Braden, Company G ; 
Captain Davis, Company C, taken prisoner in last 
fight ; Captain Nesper, Company PI ; Captain 
McKay, Company F ; Captain Lockwood, Com- 
pany D ; Lieutenant Bohm, commanding Company 
I ; quartermaster, S. D. Loomis. 

" The regiment left Chattanooga with the Fifth 
Ohio ; but parted company on the way, the Fifth 
having left their arms behind them, and were 
therefore compelled to come by railroad, no un- 
armed troops being allowed to come by the river. 
The Seventh came up the Cumberland and Ohio 
rivei's by steamboats, and were fired on by guerrillas 



A EECORD. 177 

on the waj. One man was lost, Sergeant Trembly, 
of Company C, about thirty miles below Cincinnati. 
lie was on the guards of the steamer cleaning his 
gun, when he fell overboard. Tlie boat was stopped, 
and efforts made to save him ; but he was carried 
away by the current and drowned. 

" On reaching Cincinnati, they were ordered to 
Columbus to be mustered out ; but when the train 
got to Columbus, they were ordered to go on to this 
city to be paid, and mustered out. 

" After leaving the cars, and the greetings of 
friends were ended, the men were marched to 
one part of the depot, and given a chance to wash 
themselves. They were then conducted to tables 
set along the north wing of the depot, where a hot 
breakfast had been provided by Wheeler and Eus- 
scl, on the order of the military committee. Rev, 
Mr. Goodrich invoked the blessing. 

" A number of ladies were on hand, who supplied 
the soldiers bountifully with strawberries, after the 
more substantial part of the feast was concluded. 

" As soon as the men had been properly fed and 
refreshed, they fell into line, and proceeded through 
Water and Superior streets to the front of the gov- 
ernment buildings, where the formal reception was 
to take place. The procession was headed by the 
jjolice, followed by a brass band, and by the mil- 
itary committee, members of the council, and city 



178 THE SEVENTH KEGIMENT: 

officers. The old members of the Seventh, with the 
second flag of the reghnent, tattered and torn, im- 
mediately preceded the bronzed veterans, who, 
fully armed, and bearing their last flag, rent with 
a hailstorm of hostile bullets, marched with proud 
steps through the streets they had left three years 
and three months since. Carriages followed with 
the sick and wounded who were unable to march. 
The procession was accompanied with a throng of 
people, and crowds lined the streets, whilst flags 
fluttered in all directions. 

" On reaching the front of the government build- 
ing, the regiment was drawn up in double line, and 
Prosecuting- Attorney Grannis, in the absence of 
Mayor Senter, addressed the regiment, in behalf of 
the corporation and citizens, as follows : 

" SoLDiEES OF THE Seventh Ohio — The people of 
the city of Cleveland welcome you home. More 
than three years ago, you went forth with full ranks 
— more than a thousand strong. To-day a little 
remnant returns to receive the greetings of friends, 
and to mingle again with society, as was your wont 
in times gone by. But this is not all. You, and 
those who went with you, whether present here to- 
day or absent, whether among the living or the dead, 
shall be held forever in grateful remembrance. 

"We witnessed your departure with pride, not 
unmiugled with sorrow. We did not regret that 



A KECORD. 179 

the men of the glorious Seventh had gone out to 
tight against a brutal and insolent foe, or fear that 
an}' member of it would ever fail to do his whole 
duty in the perilous ridges of the battle ; but we did 
know that your departure was attended with many 
sacrifices ;— that you would be exposed to cold, 
fatigue, and hunger; would suffer from disease, 
from honorable wounds, and in loathsome prisons ; 
and that many a noble form would bite the dust. 
We knew that these things must needs be, that the 
nation might live. The half was not told us. It 
did not enter into our hearts to believe what you 
would suffer and what you would accomplish. 
Upon almost every battle-field, from Cross Lanes to 
Dalton, the glorious banner of the Seventh has been 
in the van of the battle. We have watched your 
course with painful interest. After every battle, 
came the intelligence that your regiment had fought 
bravely, and had come out with thinned ranks. 

" You have the grand consolation of knowing that 
the victories of Gettj'sburg, of Lookout Mountain, 
of Ringgold, and of Resaca, were not won without 
your aid. To have been in an 3'^ one of those desperate 
conflicts, is glory enough for any man. The record 
you have made will seem almost like a tale of 
fiction. We have often had tidings of you, but 
Buch as would not cause our cheeks to tingle with 
shame. It was never said of the Seventh Ohio that 



180 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

it faltered in battle, that it failed to do its whole 
duty. You have been faithful, uncomplaining, and 
heroic. These things have not been accomplished 
without painful sacrifices. How painful, let the 
honorable scars many will carry to their graves 
answer. How painful, let this begrimed and 
tattered flag answer. How painful, these thinned 
ranks will answer. Your gallant colonel and lieu- 
tenant-colonel came home before you. Kot as we 
could have wished them to come, but wearincj the 
habiliments which all must wear; and now they lie 
yonder, and their graves are still wet with the tears 
of their mourning countrymen. 

" Not so fortunate many of your countrymen, for 
the}' lie in unknown seclusion, but not in unhonored 
graves. We will not mourn these dead as those 
who die without hope, for their names shall be 
honored, so long ag liberty is prized among men. 

" ' Death makes no conquest of these conquerors. 
For now they live in fame, though not in life.' 

" It is an honor to be engaged in this conflict, 
which those who share it should fully prize ; and those 
who have been engaged in it have shown a self- 
sacrificing devotion to duty, seldom excelled. It is 
a conflict in favor of liberty against treason and 
traitors ; against a desperate and implacable foe, 
fighting with desperate energy, that fraud, oppres- 
Bion, and crime may stalk abroad in daylight. 



A RECORD. 181 

" Let us hoj^e that the final overthrow of rebellion 
is at hand ; that soon our soldiers may all return 
home, with — 

" ' Brows bound witli victorious wreaths. 
Their bruised arms hung up for monuments, 
Their stern alarums changed to merry meetings. 
Their dreadful marches to delightful measures.' 

" On concluding, Mr. Grannis introduced Gover- 
nor Brough, who also addressed the regiment. He 
said in substance as follows : 

" Men of the Seventh Ohio — I know you are 
anxious to turn from this public to private greetings, 
to clasp friends and acquaintances in your hands 
and hearts. Under these circumstances I have not 
the courage to detain you. I will not read the 
glorious record of your achievements, for it would 
keep you so long. It is not necessary. We know 
your record in all its glory, but not, like you, in all 
its pain. A little over three years ago, on a Sabbath 
morning, you left Cleveland. Now, on a Sabbath 
morning, you return to us. That Sabbath was hal- 
lowed, by the purpose with which you went forth. 
This Sabbath is rendered sacred, by the joy with 
which you are welcomed back to us. 

" On behalf of the State, I am here to giv^e you a 
cordial greeting on your return. For the people 
of Cleveland, no foruial greeting is necessary. In 
the crowd that gather around you, you can read 



182 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT : 

the cordial welcome, that needs no words to ex- 
press it. 

"The Spartan mother, who sent her son to battle, 
bade him to return with his shield in honor, or on 
his shield in death. You have returned with your 
shields, and with honor reflected from them on you. 
But let us not forget that many have come home 
on their shields. We cannot forget those that, on 
another Sabbath morning, came home, and were 
received by the city in the weeds of mourning. 

"We welcome you back, not only because you are 
back, but because you have reflected honor on your 
State. Standing, as I do, in the position of father 
of all of the regiments of the State, it will not do 
for me to discriminate ; but I will say, that no regi- 
ment has returned to the bosom of the State, and 
none remains to come after it, that will bring back a 
more glorious record than the gallant old Seventh. 

" There is no need to tell you what the lesson of 
this war is. You have learned it in many a weary 
march, and on many a field of carnage. None know 
better than you, that there are but two ways pos- 
sible for the termination of this war. One is an 
inglorious peace and disgraceful submission, and 
the other is to completely crush the military power 
of the rebellion. There is no other way ; and he 
who goes about on street-corners, and talks about 
a peace short of one or the other of these alter- 



A EECORD. 183 

natives, is either grossly ignorant or intentionally 
attempting to deceive. More than that, no one 
knows better than yourselves, that to secure a 
lasting peace, when the military power of the re- 
bellion is crushed, the cause of this infernal re- 
bellion itself must be thoroughly wiped out. You 
have been taught that in many a fiery lesson, and 
know it to be a truth. 

"There are gallant men and brave generals in the 
army laboring to reach this end ; and we have con- 
fidence that their efforts will be crowned with suc- 
cess. God grant that it may be so. I had almost 
said that God and Grant will make it so. 

" But I will detain you no longer. There is an- 
other greeting awaiting you in your homes — a 
greeting that no other eyes should witness. To 
that sacred and precious greeting I remit you." 

The regiment now marched ofi" to Camp Cleve- 
land, escorted by the old members of the Seventh. 

The men were given a brief furlough, after which 
preparations were made to be mustered out. 

On the 4:th of July, a grand ovation was given to 
the regiment, in connection with the Eighth Ohio ; 
in fact, while the regiment remained in Cleveland, 
it was one continued ovation. The citizens vied 
with each other, in caring for and honoring the 
old Seventh. It seemed as if they could not do 
enough. These brave men will not soon forget 



184 THE SEVENTH KEGIMENT: 

the anxious care bestowed upon them by the citi- 
zens of Cleveland, during this closing period of 
their career in the service of their country. 

After remaining for a brief period in camp, the 
regiment was mustered out ; and after kindly fare- 
wells li^ been exchanged, each member departed 
for his home, from which he had been so long 
absent in protecting a Government that he loved 
from the ruthless touch of treason and slavery. 

When the regiment entered the field, it num- 
bered more than a thousand men. As these began 
to dwindle away by the shock of battle and the 
ravages of disease, new members came in, until 
we find nearly fourteen hundred men on the rolls, 
exclusive of three months' men : the latter would 
swell the number to about eighteen hundred men. 
Of the former, over six hundred were killed and 
wounded — the killed alone amounting to about 
one hundred and thirty. One hundred and up- 
wards died from disease ; while more than six 
hundred were discharged on account of disability 
arising from various causes. Many of those who 
were on the rolls at the time the regiment was 
mustered out were disabled for life, and were only 
retained for the want of an opportunity to be dis- 
charged. The whole number of able-bodied officers 
and men returning with the regiment was only two 
hundred and forty -five, leaving upwards of eleven 
hundred dead and disabled. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



BRIGADIER-GENERAL E. B. TYLER* 

E. B. Tyler entered the service as colonel of the 
Seventh. He brought with hi in some little military 
experience, having been a brigadier-general of mili- 
tia before the rebellion broke out. 

When General McClellan was about to make his 
advance into Western Virginia, he selected Tyler 
to lead the wa}^, on account of his thorough acquaint- 
ance with that wild region, he having been engaged 
in purchasing furs from the people for many years. 
During the entire summer he was kept well out to 
the front. He was finally given a brigade, with 
which to assist General Cox in driving General 
Wise from the valley. He moved as far as Somer- 
ville, in the very heart of the enemy's country, and 
was soon after in the skirmish of Cross Lanes. 
From this time, during the remainder of his stay in 
the department, he was in command at Charleston, 
in the Kanawha Yalley. In the winter following, 
he was ordered to Kelley's department, where he 
was again given a brigade, with which he did good 

* General Tyler has failed to furnisli us any data from -wMch 
to write an extended sketch, though often requested to do so. 



188 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT! 

service on the outposts. We next find him at the 
battle of Winchester, where he commanded a bri- 
gade. It was his command that charged the bat- 
tery, for which it acquired so much renown. His 
conduct at this battle won him a star. He now 
served with his command in the Yalley, accom- 
panying it to the Rappahannock and back. After 
which he commanded the forces in the battle of 
Port Republic. His conduct in this engagement is 
above criticism. Ko general could have made 
better dispositions than he, and no one would have 
met with better success. Defeat was certain ; and 
all that the best generalship could do, was to save 
barely a remnant of the command. It is a wonder 
that any artillery was saved. He gained much 
reputation in his command for the manner in which 
he acquitted himself in this battle. He soon after 
left his old brigade, and finally took command 
of a Pennsylvania brigade, which he led in the 
battle of Fredericksburg, in December, 1S62. He 
had acquired a fine reputation with Governor Cur- 
tin, and his conduct in this battle confirmed it. 
The spring following he was assigned to a command 
in Baltimore, under General Schenck. At the time 
of the raid on Washington, in the summer of 1864, 
lie was at the front. During an engagement he be- 
came separated from his command, and only es- 
caped by dint of hard riding. After remaining 



A RECORD. 189 

concealed for some "days, he escaped, and retnrned 
in safety to our lines. After this campaign he 
returned to Baltimore, where he is at the present 
time stationed. 

BREVET BRIG.-GEK J. S. CASEMENT. 

J. S. Casement came into the regiment as major, 
and was just the man for the place. The regiment 
needed a practical, common-sense sort of a man, 
and it found him in the person of Jack Casement. 
Many of his previous years had been spent in the 
construction of railroads. In this he had not a 
superior in the United States. He is of small 
stature, but of iron frame ; and for endurance has 
few equals. He will shoulder and walk off under 
a load that would make the most athletic tremble. 
He has probably superintended the laying of as 
much track as any man of his age. 

On joining the regiment, the major at once made 
himself useful in looking after matters for the 
comfort of the command, that really belonged to 
no one to look to, and yet, when attended to, went 
far to improve the condition of the men. He rap- 
idly acquired a knowledge of military tactics, which 
was afterwards to fit him for a leader. This was 
not difficult for him to do, for he made it a practi- 
cal study. He was always on duty when the oc- 
casion required it. This habit of promptness he 



190 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

acquired while working large parties of men, and it 
never left liira during his service. During the long 
marches in Western Virginia, he was ever watchful 
as to how matters were going on in the rear ; and 
while other mounted officers were riding leisurely 
along, he was ever watchful of the train, as well as 
all other matters connected with the easy move- 
ment of the command. Arriving in camp, he made 
it his business to see that all was snug. At the 
aifair at Cross Lanes he conducted himself with 
such gallantry as to endear him to the entire regi- 
ment. He rode over that fatal field as calm and 
collected as on drill. When his suj)erior officers 
had escaped, he organized the balance of the com- 
mand, and then commenced that memorable march 
over the hills and mountains, through the valleys 
and over the streams, of that wild waste. It was 
finally crowned with success, and the regiment felt 
proud of its major; and the Western Reserve felt 
proud, too, that they had sent so brave a man to 
serve with so brave a regiment. He now did his 
duty, until we find the regiment in the East, and 
in its expedition to Blue's Gap, Major Casement at 
its head. Just before reaching the fortifications, 
he made a speech. Said he : " Boys, you've not 
got much of a daddy, but with such as you have, I 
want you to go for those rebels."' And th-cy did 
go for them in earnest. It seems the boys did not 



A RECORD. 191 

object to tlie character of the " daddy." He now 
went with the regiment to "Winchester, where he 
was engaged in that battle. He sat on his horse 
where the bullets were flying thickest, and seemed 
to be a stranger to fear. When the battle was 
nearly over, followed by a few men, he took pos- 
session of a piece of artillery, and held it nntil the 
close of the action. In the evening succeeding the 
battle, he found that ten rifle-bullets had passed 
through the cape of his coat on the left side, near to 
his arm. 

Major Casement accompanied the regiment on 
its march up the Yalley, making himself useful in 
the way of constructing bridges and roads. On 
arriving at Falmouth, on the Rappahannock, he 
tendered his resignation, which being accepted, he 
returned to his home. All missed the merry laugh, 
as well as the merry jokes, of the ever happy 
major. 

He was not long permitted to enjoy home, how- 
ever, as in the following summer he was made 
colonel of the One Hundred and Third Ohio Regi- 
ment, and immediately after left for the field. His 
regiment was ordered to Kentucky, in which de- 
partment he served until Sherman's triumphant 
march on Atlanta, when he joined him, and soon 
after commanded a brigade. In this campaign he 
distinguished himself. After Sherman left for Sa- 



192 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

vannali, Casement commanded a brigade in Thomas' 
army. At the battle of Franklin, which followed, 
he conducted himself in such a brilliant manner as 
to win a star by brevet. He now took part in the 
pursuit of the disorganized forces of Hood, and 
when it ceased, went to Wilmington, North Caro- 
lina, with the corps of General Schofield, where he 
has since remained. 

The career of this dashing officer has been one of 
usefulness, and his numerous friends, as well as the 
entire country, appreciate his services. 

BRIGADIER JOHN W. SPRAGUE.* 

General Sprague entered the service as captain 
of Company E. He immediately gained a high 
character as an officer, both for his fine military 
bearing and gentlemanly deportment. His com- 
pany was first in discipline, and during the time 
he was in command not one of his men was under 
arrest. His influence was such, that they seldom 
disobeyed an order. They regarded their captain 
as a fit person to lead them — one whose example 
was worthy of imitation. 

During the trying marches in Western Yirginia, 

* The writer has been unable to learn sufficient of General 
Sprague's services, after leaving the Seventh, to enable him to 
write an extended sketch, which he very much regrets, for his 
gallant services entitle him to a more lengthy notice. 



V 
A KECORD. 193 



Captain Spragiie was ever at his post to encourage 
and cheer his men. A few days previous to the 
Cross Lanes aftair, he was given a leave of absence ; 
and soon after leaving for his home, he was taken 
prisoner by the enemy's cavalry. He remained in 
prison about a year, suffering all the hardships that 
the imagination can picture. When he was released, 
his hair had become gray, and his every appearance 
was indicative of great suffering. On his return, 
he was immediately commissioned colonel of the 
Sixty-third Ohio Ptcgiment, and very soon after 
entered the field. From this time on Ife did gallant 
service in the armies of the West. His great mili- 
tary talent was at last acknowledged, and his vast 
services rewarded by conferring on him a star. He 
is now serving in the West. 

LIEUT.-COL. SAMUEL McCLELLAND. 

The subject of this sketch is a native of Ireland. 
He was born in 1829. While in his youth, his 
parents emigrated to this country, landing at Phila- 
delphia, from whence they went to Pittsburgh. Ee- 
maining here for a short time, they removed to 
Youngstown, Ohio, where they have since resided. 

He entered the service as first-lieutenant of Com- 
pany I, and was at once active in the discharge of 
his duty. He accompanied the regiment to West- 
ern Virginia, where he took part in all the hard 



194 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

marches that followed. At the affair of Cross 
Lanes, lie demonstrated, by his gallantry, the fact 
of the possession of great military talent ; for he 
was brave, prudent, and skilful. Up to the battle 
of Winchester, he was with the regiment in every 
march and skirmish. At this battle he commanded 
a company, and had the honor of opening tlie battle, 
and sustaining it for a few minutes, till other com- 
panies formed on his flanks. 

He was engaged in the following battles and 
skirmishes, which embrace every one in which the 
regiment wa^ engaged : Cross Lanes, Winchester, 
Port Kepublic, Cedar Mountain, Antietam, Dum- 
fries, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Lookout Moun- 
tain, Mission Ridge, and Taylor's Ridge. The 
various skirmishes and battles during the march 
of Sherman to .Marietta, are to be added to this list. 
At the battle of Winchester he was slightly wounded 
in the head, but remained on the field, against tlie 
ui'gent solicitations of his friends, until the close 
of the engagement. At the battle of Taylor's Ridge 
he was severely wounded in the leg. He now 
returned to his home, but remained but a short 
time, rejoining his command before he was entirely 
recovered. 

While in the East he was made captain of Com- 
pany H, and after the battle of Taylor's Ridge, 
lieutenaiit-colouel. He now took command of the 



A RECOED. 195 

regiment ; leading it through the arduous campaign 
of Sherman, as far as Marietta, in which service he 
won a fine reputation for ability as an officer. He 
was known and recognized throughout the army as 
the fighting colonel. At the above place, the old 
Seventh turned its steps homeward, commanded by 
Colonel McClelland, who had the proud satisfaction 
of leading the regiment into Cleveland, to do which 
the lamented Creighton was ever ambitious. 

When encamped in the city, he set himself 
industriously at work preparing the regiment to 
be mustered out ; which was done in due time. 

McClelland was one of the few officers who were 
ever at their post. He was brave, active, and zealous, 
a good officer in every particular. His kindness 
and good feeling towards his fellow-soldiers won 
him many friends. His family have suffered se- 
vere loss, two brave brothers having died in battle. 
During all this affliction he has remained true to 
his country, his patriotism never growing cold for 
a moment. 



196 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT 



MAJOR FREDERICK A. SEYMOUR. 

The subject of this sketch caine into the regiment 
as captain of Company G, having organized the 
company immediately after the first call for troops. 
He had seen a good deal of service in the militia of 
his native State, which was of great assistance to 
him in this new position. When the regiment was 
organized for the three-years' service, he was elected 
to his old position, which was an indication of the 
esteem his company had for him. 

During the terrible campaign among the moun- 
tains of Western Virginia, his health became very 
much impaired ; till just previous to the affair at 
Cross Lanes, he was compelled to leave his com- 
mand and seek to restore it in his home. Therefore 
he was not in that skirmish. He soon after re- 
turned, but after reaching the Shenandoah Yalley 
his health again failed him, and he once more sought 
to restore it by returning to his home. While he 
was absent the battle of Winchester was fought, and 
he therefore did not take part in the engagement. 

He now accompanied the regiment in its march 
up the Shenandoah River, across the Blue Ridge, 
and back again to Front Royal ; and from thence to 
Port Republic. In the battle fought at the latter 
place he was conspicuous for bravery. During that 



A RECORD. 197 

well-contested action be contributed all tbat lay in 
bis power towards winning a victory. But valor 
alone cannot win a battle; numbers combined witli 
it can only acconiplisb tbat. Tbis was bis first exper- 
ience under fire ; but be stood up to tbe work like 
a veteran ; being second to none in deeds of during. 

Soon after tbis action be was engaged in tbe bat- 
tle of Cedar Mountain, wbere be more tban sus- 
tained tbe reputation acquired at Port Republic. 
Tbis was a terrible battle, and every officer and pri- 
vate wbo fouglit tbere became a bero. 

From tbis time forward tbe writer bas no know- 
ledge of bis services, beyond tke fact tbat be was 
promoted to major; wbicb position be filled till 
some time in tbe fall of 1863, wben be resigned, and 
returned to bis borne. It can be truly said tbat, 
wberever Major Seymour was placed, be endeavored 
to do bis duty. Among bis fellow-soldiers be bad 
many friends, and be will always be remembered as 
a kind-bearted gentleman. 

SURGEON FRANCIS SALTER. 

Francis Salter entered tbe service as assistant 
surgeon of tbe Seventb Regiment; and on tbe 
resignation of Surgeon Cusbing, was appointed 
surgeon. He beld tbis position until tbe latter 
part of 1862, wben be was made a medical di- 



198 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

rector, and assigned to the staif of General Crooks. 
As a surgeon, he hardly had a superior in the 
service. His services were of great value in the 
hospitals, as he had had a long experience in those 
of England, his native country. He has remained 
in the service from the beginning of the war ; and 
during that long period has alleviated the suffer- 
ing of many a soldier. 

C. J. BELLOWS. 

The subject of this sketch was appointed surgeon 
of the regiment, from the position of assistant in 
the Fifth Ohio. Before entering the service he 
was enjoying a good practice in ISTorthern Ohio, 
in which he had acquired a good reputation. 
While with the regiment he was much esteemed, 
by reason of his ability as a surgeon, as well as for 
his kind and courteous behavior. 

G. E. DENIG. 

On the appointment of Francis Salter to the 
post of surgeon, the subject of this sketch was 
made assistant. While with the regiment he was 
attentive to his duties, and always kind and oblig- 
ing to those seeking medical aid. He many times 
acted as surgeon of the regiment ; and on such 
occasions was always prompt in the discharge of 
his duty. 



A EECORD. 199 

FREDERICK T. BROWN, D.D. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Coshocton 
County, Ohio, of respectable and pious parents. 
His father was a wealthy merchant, and therefore 
gave his son a liberal education. After arriving 
at a proper age, he was sent to Princeton College, 
New Jersej", where he graduated. He early devel- 
oped those Christian qualities which he has pos- 
sessed in such an eminent degree during the whole 
course of his life. He was born to be a minister. 
At an early age his mind took a lasting ht)ld upon 
religious truths ; and it has never relaxed its ener- 
gies in that direction for a single moment. He 
has gone on doing good from a child, his useful- 
ness only increasing as his mind developed its 
powers. He has been a close student of theology 
during his whole life ; and it is doing no discredit 
to others to say, that in this respect he lias hardly 
a peer in the United States. He graduated at the 
Theological Seminaries at Princeton, New Jersey, 
and Geneva, Switzerland. 

The AVestminster Church, of Clevdand, Ohio, 
was organized by him ; and in the course of his 
nine years' labor with it, increased from a small 
congregation to one .of the most respectable reli- 
gious societies of the city. He was pastor of this 
church at the breaking out of the rebellion. 



200 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT: 

While the Seventh Kegiment was at Camp Den- 
nison, he paid it a visit by request of some of the 
ofScers, and was immediately chosen its chaplain, 
there being bnt few dissenting voices. Immediately 
returning to his home, he tendered his resignation 
to his church, which, however, was -not accepted ; 
but in its stead, he was voted a leave of absence, 
"which he accepted, but refusing to draw pay during 
the time. He joined the regiment early in July, 
while it was in Western Virginia, and at once 
entered upon his duties. 

Whil^here, he preached a sermon in one of the 
churches — to the rebel as well as Union people of 
the town — which was noted for the powerful argu- 
ments used against the position occupied by tlie 
South in relation to the Federal Government. This 
effort made him many friends in the village. He 
afterwards had a large influence over its people, 
being often invited to their homes. On such occa- 
sions he was received with a hearty welcome ; al- 
though he never neglected an opportunity to re- 
prove them for the opinions cherished by them. 

While at^Glenville, Gilmer County, he carried a 
message to General Cox, whose forces were some- 
where on the banks of the Kanawha River. This 
has already been mentioned ; but as it Avas an 
enterprise attended with much danger, we here 
copy a detailed account of it. 



A RECOED. 201 

AbQut the 15tli day of July, Colonel Tyler, feel- 
ing it important to open communication with Gen- 
eral Cox's forces on the Kanawha, determined to 
send a messenger with unwritten dispatches across 
the country through the enemy's lines ; and as our 
chaplain could more readily be spared- than any 
other member of the regiment deemed fitting to 
undertake the enterprise, the expedition was pro- 
posed to him. lie accepted it willingly, though 
well aware of its difiiculties and dangers. Colonel 
Tyler suggested to him to go in the character of a 
merchant or trader, so that, if arrested by roving 
guerillas or any of Wise's patrols, he could say he 
was on business to Gauley Bridge, or some other 
j)lace. But he declined adopting the suggestion, 
as involving a possible lie, and asked to be left to 
his own resources. 

Hastily divesting himself of every tell-tale mark 
of name, residence, or connection with the service, 
mounted on a blooded mare, captured from some 
guerrillas a few days before, and taking no rations 
but a bunch of cigars, an hour after receiving the 
order he started. It was a ride of a hundred and 
twenty miles through the enemy's country, by high- 
ways, and by-ways, and no ways at all, nearly half 
of it at night, sometimes alone, full of adventures, 
amusing and otherwise, and involving some narrow 
escapes from the enemy, but completely successful. 



202 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

On the morning of the third daj, at daylight, he 
struck the Kanawha, four miles below the mouth 
of the Pocotaligo; and there, for the first time, got 
word of General Cox, and learned that his camp 
was only four miles up the river. It was Sunday 
morning. ' He was soon at the general's quarters, 
and in the language of the chaplain himself, "' re- 
ceived such a welcome as that genial man and 
accomplished Christian gentleman knows how to 
give." General Cox refused permission to him to 
return to us by the way he had come. He there- 
fore remained with the general for the time ; was 
with him at the capture of Charleston, and in the 
pursuit of Wise to Gauley Bridge, from whence he 
joined us again. Surviving members of the old 
Seventh will remember " the three times-three" 
cheers of each company in succession, as the chap- 
lain rode along the line. We were on the march, 
a long distance from where he had left us, had not 
heard a word from him or of him, and had thought 
him lost ; his arrival, safe and sound, coining from 
the direction of the enemy, was as one from the 
dead, or, from Kichmond. 

At the battle of Cross Lanes he bore a gallant 
part, remaining with the command during the entire 
affair, and leaving only when all hope of saving the 
day had expired. He escajDed, with others, through 
a gap in the enemy's lines, caused by well-directed 



A RECORD. 203 

volleys of tnusketiy from the reglraont. The same 
day he came into Gaiilej Bridge, after having ren- 
dered much service in bringing off the wagon-train. 
He soon after visited Cross Lanes, under a flag of 
truce, for the purpose of looking after our killed 
and wounded, as well as to learn the fate of those 
taken prisoners. While within the enemy's lines, 
he was treated civilly, but Avas refused the privilege 
of administering to the wounded, as well as visiting 
the prisoners. He therefore returned, without hav- 
ing accomplished, in the least degree, the object of 
his visit. The chaplain was soon after ordered to 
Charleston, where the scattered members of the 
Seventh had been collected.. 

While at this place he formed an agreeable ac- 
quaintance with many gentlemen of learning and 
ability, at whose houses he was a frequent visitor ; 
and it may be truly said that on such occasions he 
added much to the fund of enjoyment. 

While the regiment was at Charleston, a misun- 
derstanding arose between the chaplain and Colonel 
Tyler, by reason of which the former felt it his duty 
to resign. His resignation was in due time ac- 
cepted, and he was honorably mustered out of the 
service ; the esteem and regrets of the entire com- 
mand going witli him to his home. W^hile with the 
regiment his conduct had been above suspicion, and 
his sudden departure caused universal gloom. 



20-1 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

Shortly after returning to his home in Cleveland, 
lie was called to be pastor of a church at George- 
town, District of Columbia, which is both large and 
influential. 

I^ot forgetting the cause of his country and her 
suffering soldiery, he is now engaged, in addition to 
his pastoral labors, in attending to the wants of the 
sick and wounded soldiers at the various hospitals 
in the vicinity of his home. Many a poor soldier 
of the republic will remember the words of conso- 
lation which have fallen on his ear from the lips of 
this devoted Christian. 

In the personal appearance of Chaplain Brown, 
alone, there is a character. His light, fragile figure, 
erect and graceful carriage, strikes one as peculiarly 
fitting to his elegant, chaste, and mature intellect. 
He leaves an impression on the mind as lasting as it 
is positive. In his company the dark moments are 
lighted Tip. Generous and manly, he would distri- 
bute even his happiness among his fellows, were it 
possible. There are few men more companionable 
than he ; and few ever won the love of their fellow- 
meii equal to him. Endowed with rare conversa- 
tional powers and a pleasing address, he always 
commands the attention of those around him. In 
public speaking, the first impression he makes* upon 
the mind of the hearer is not such as would lead 
him to expect a flowery discourse ; but as the 



A RECOKD. 205 

speaker proceeds, it becomes evident that dry 
logic is not his only gift. His life is a constant 
reflection of truth. He takes a great grasp on 
eternal things ; and lives greatly by seeking, as the 
one high aim of his studies, his labors, and his 
prayers, the supreme glory of God in the everlasting 
Avelfare of man. May such samples of Christian 
character be multiplied, till all the world has learned 
how great is God, and how great is goodness. 

CHAPLAIN D. C. WRIGHT. 

D. C. Wright was appointed chaplain during the 
winter of 1S61. He reported to the regiment at 
Patterson's Creek, Yirginia, 

He was with the regiment at the battle of Win- 
chester, where he rendered much assistance in 
caring for the wounded. He now followed the 
fortunes of the Seventh nntil its arrival at Port 
Republic, at which battle he served as aid to Gen- 
eral Tyler. During the entire engagement he was 
much exposed, carrjnng dispatches in the most 
gallant style to different parts of the field. He was 
mentioned in the official reports for gallant conduct. 
After this battle he left for his home, and finally 
sent in his resignation, which was duly accepted. 

Before the war broke out he was a minister of the 
Methodist Cluirch, and acquired no little reputation 
as a revivalist preacher. 



206 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT: 

LIEUT.-COL. GILES W. SHURTLIFF* 

At the beginning of the rebellion, Giles W. 
Shurtliff was one of the teachers in the college at 
Oberlin. Immediately after the bombardment and 
capture of Fort Sumter, he organized a company, 
])i'incipally from among his pupils, and reported at 
Camp Taylor. He was with the regiment in 
its toilsome marches in Western Yirginia, during 
which he was always at his post. During the af- 
fair at Cross Lanes he \vas taken prisoner, and now 
began those terrible hardships which no pen can 
describe, nor imagination picture. Prison life is a 
sort of living death, — a state of abeyance, where the 
mind is thrown back upon itself; where time, al- 
though passing, seems to stop, and the great world 
outside, to stand still. Through all this trial, and. 
hardship, and misery. Colonel Shnrtliff passed, with- 
out weakening his faith or his patriotism. He 
returned to his home, after more than a year's im- 
prisonment, as firm in the support of the Govern- 
ment as ever. After allowing himself a short rest, 
he served in the Army of the Potomac on staff- 
duty ; but was soon after made lieutenant-colonel 

* The writer would be glad to give an extended account of 
the gajlant services of Colonel SliurtlifF in the bloody battles 
before Richmond and Petersbiu'g, but has not received the nece:^- 

saw fucts. 



A RECORD. 207 

of the Fifth United States Colored Infantry. lie 
has since greatly distinguished himself in the nu- 
merous battles in the vicinity of Richmond. He 
is at the present time at his post, where he will 
probably remain until the rebellion is crushed, and 
the Government vindicated. 

COLONEL ARTHUR T. WILCOX. 

Arthur T. Wilcox is a native of Ohio, and en- 
tered the service as second-lieutenant of Company 
E. On the organization of the regiment for the 
three years' service, he was made a first-lieutenant, 
and assigned to the same company. He served 
with much credit in Western Virginia, until the 
Cross Lanes affair, when he was taken prisoner. 
He remained within the prison-walls of the enemy 
for more than a year, most of tlie time in Charles- 
ton, South Carolina, suffering every hardship ; but 
coming out as true and pure a patriot as when he 
went in, he again joined his regiment, and was 
soon after made a captain. He now took part in 
all the battles of the West, in which the regiment 
was engaged, — Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, 
Ringgold, and Sherman's battles in the march on 
Atlanta. He came home with the regiment, and 
was in'due time mustered out. He was not, how- 
ever, permitted to remain long at home, for, when 
new regiments were forming, he was made a col- 



208 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT : 

onel, and assigned to the One Hundred and Seventy- 
seventh llegiment. He soon after joined his com- 
mand, and was almost immediately ordered to the 
front. He joined General Thomas' forces, then 
falling back before the forces of General Hood. 
Arriving at Franklin, he was engaged in the bloody 
battle fought there, and greatly distinguished him- 
self. He soon after arrived at ISTashville with the 
army. The rebel army immediately advanced ; and 
the two armies stood face to face, at the same time 
gathering strength for a desperate conflict. The 
Union array was triumphant, and the rebel hosts 
were beaten and demoralized. In this battle, Col- 
onel Wilcox gained new laurels. He now took 
part in the pursuit of the scattered forces of 
Hood. 

Every one who has fallen in company with 
Colonel Wilcox, will remember him as a genial 
friend and true gentleman. He has made many 
friends in the army as well as at home. He has 
chosen the law as a profession, and when " this cruel 
war is over" the writer wishes him the success his 
many virtues and talents merit. 

LIEUT.-COL. JAMES T. STERLING. 

James T. Sterling entered the service as' first- 
lieutenant of Captain De Yilliers' company. On 
the organization of the regiment for the three years' 



A RECORD. 209 

service, he was made captain. While at Camp 
Dennison he hxbored diligently to perfect his com- 
mand in both drill and discipline ; and -when it 
entered the field it was second to none, so far as 
these essentials were concerned. 

While in Western Virginia, Captain Sterling was 
on many scouts, in which service he showed great 
skill and bravery. Such adventures were very 
much to his liking. 

In the affair at Cross Lanes he won the respect 
of all those who were witness to his coolness and 
daring. During the march to Charleston he n>ade 
a good account of himself, being one of the most 
active in his labors, and among the wisest in his 
OjDinions. 

He now followed the regiment to the East, where 
he engaged in all the marches and skirmishes which 
took place. At the battle of Winchester he com- 
manded two companies ; leading them into the 
hottest fire like a veteran. Daring the entire action 
he stood on the hill urging the men forward, regard- 
less of the great danger to which he himself was 
exposed. He came through the battle, however, 
without a scratch, but with some holes in his 
clothing. 

lie now took part in the long chase of Jackson 
up the Yalley, and from thence to Fredericksburg 
and back again ; but was not in the battle of Port 



210 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT: 

Republic, his company liaving been detailed for 
headquarters guard. 

Yery soon after this engagement he was made 
lieutenant-colonel of the One Hundred and Third 
Regiment, at that time about to be raised in the 
vicinity of Cleveland. He soon after reported to 
this regiment and was assigned to duty. He went 
with it to the field ; but, after a limited period, was. 
assigned the position of inspector-general on the 
staff of General Cox. He filled this position with 
much credit to himself, until early in the year 1864-, 
when he resigned and returned to his home in 
Cleveland. 

Colonel Sterling, as an officer, was much esteemed. 
As a companion, he was much admired. His easy 
manners and agreeable conversation gathered about 
him many friends. Every one regretted his de- 
parture from the Seventh ; he had been with it 
through so many trials and dangers, that he was 
closely identified with it. His company thought 
well of him, and, therefore, his unexpected depart- 
ure caused many regrets. 

COLONEL JOEL F. ASPER. 

Joel F. Asper was born in Huntington, Adams 
County, Pennsylvania, on the 20th day of April, 
1822. When he was but five years old his father 
removed to Farmiugton, Ohio, by the slow process 



A RECORD. 211 

of a four-horse team and Pennsylvania wagon. 
The county of Trumbull was then but sparsely 
settled. 

Until eighteen years of age he assisted his father 
in clearing a farm, at the same time attending a 
dristrict school in winter. This is all the school 
education he ever had ; all other education being 
acquired by his own exertion and application to 
studj out of school. 

Having a j^assion for reading and writing, he 
was led to study law. But previous to this, how- 
ever, he commenced teaching a school in Southing- 
ton, but, for some reason, left it after one month's 
experience. Early in the year 1842, we find him 
in the law-ofiice of Crowell and Abel, at Warren, 
Ohio, and working for his board at the American 
Hotel. 

In 1843, he carried the Western Reserve Chron- 
icle through several townships, and during the en- 
tire year did not miss a trip. 

In August, 1844, he was admitted to the bar, but 
remained with General Crowell till 1845, when he 
learned the daguerrean business, but not succeeding 
in this, in October following opened a law-office at 
Warren. His first year's practice netted him over 
four hundred dollars, and it increased from year to 
year. 

In 1846 be was elected a justice of the peace, and 



212 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

in the following year was married to Miss Elizabeth 
Brown. 

In 184Y he was elected prosecuting attorney. In 
1849, was announced as one of the editors of the 
Western Reserve Chronicle ; and wrote, during the 
campaign of that year, all of the leading political 
articles published in its columns. During the 
summer of 184:8, Mr. Parker, proprietor of the 
paper, left for a pleasure excursion, and while 
absent, Mr. Asper, being left in charge, took 
ground against General Taylor. During this cam- 
paign he did much towards developing anti-slavery 
sentiments in the party. For this conduct he was 
denounced by the minority of his party. At this 
time he made a speech before a Whig convention, 
which is said to have been the best effort of his life. 
Carrying out these sentiments, he sustained Martin 
Yan Buren for the presidency^ and in the following 
year ran for prosecuting attorney on the Free-Soil 
ticket, but was defeated. 

In 1850 he moved to Chardon, Ohio, and edited 
a Free-Soil pajjer until 1852, when, it proving a 
losing business, he returned to Warren, where he 
again commenced the practice of the law, which 
he continued until the breaking out of the rebel- 
lion, in 1861. He was among the first in Northern 
Ohio to tender a company to the Governor. It 
marched to camp on the 25tli of April. He served 



A RECOKD 



213 



in the regiment until March, 1863, when he was hon- 
orably mustered out of the United States service. 
During this time he took part in the affair of Cross 
Lanes and the battle of Winchester, in which last 
engagement he was severely wounded. After the 
Cross Lanes affair he accompanied a detachment 
of four hundred men to Charleston, rendering much 
assistance during the march. He was promoted to 
lieutenant-colonel during his service with the Tegi- 
ment, in which position he commanded the regi- 
ment in the retreat of Pope's army from the Eapi- 

dan. 

On returning to Warren he opened an office, and 
in August organized the Fifty-first Eegiment Na- 
tional Guards, and was elected its colonel. 

When, in the spring of 1861, the corps was or- 
dered into the field, his regiment was among the 
first to move. It went to Johnson's Island, and 
while there the noted John H. Morgan commenced 
a raid through Kentucky. To resist him, several 
militia regiments were ordered to the front ; among 
them was the Fifty-first, now become the One Hun- 
dred and Seventy-first. 

Arriving at Cincinnati, he reported to General 
Hobson, and was ordered to Keller's Bridge by 
train. Soon after getting off the cars, it was at- 
tacked by the enemy in overwhelming numbers. 
After a gallant fight of six hours, the brave little 



214 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

band of heroes was compelled to surrender. No 
regiment of new troops ever did better : it made 
itself a name which history will perpetuate. 

The regiment was mustered out on the 20th of 
August, 1864. Asper now perfected his arrange- 
ments to move to Missouri, which he put into 
execution in October following. He is now en- 
gaged in the practice of law at Chillicothe, in the 
above State. 

MAJOR W. R. STERLING. 

The subject of this sketch entered the service as 
Captain of Company I. He carried with him some 
considerable military experience, having been con- 
nected with a company in his native State. He 
accompanied the regiment in its Western Virginia 
campaign, taking an honorable part in the affair at 
Cross Lanes. He was with the detachment in its 
march over the mountains to Charleston, during 
which he rendered great assistance, contributing 
largely towards bringing the command off in 
safety. 

From Charleston he returned to his home on 
leave, but soon after returned to his command, 
accompanied by a number of recruits. He now 
took part in the various marches and skirmishes 
occurring in the mountain department of Eastern 
Virginia. He was not in the battles of Winchester 



A KECORD. 215 

or Port Kepublic ; but was in all the marches oc- 
curring before and after those engagements. At 
the battle of Cedar Mountain he did yeoman's 
service. His company was led with such coolness 
and bravery, that many a rebel was made to bite 
the dust. He now remained with the regiment 
until General Hooker came to the command of 
the Army of the Potomac, when Captain Sterling 
was assigned a position on his staff. In this capa- 
city he served until after the battle of Chancellors- 
ville. A short time after this engagement he was 
taken prisoner by a roving band of rebels, and 
conveyed to Richmond, where he was for some 
time confined in prison. He was finally taken 
further south to another prison, from which, in 
the summer of 1864, he escaped ; and after spend- 
ing some time in the mountains, during which he 
suffered many hardships, finally joined the Union 
forces in Tennessee. 

He was a brave and competent officer. While 
on Hooker's staff he was promoted to major. 

MAJOR E. J. KREIGER. 

The subject of this sketch is a native of Germany, 
and entered the service as a sergeant in a company 
composed of his fellow-countrymen. He very soon 
rose to the rank of lieutenant, and before the term 
of service of the regiment expired, to that of cap- 



216 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT : 

tain. He was in the following battles and skir- 
mishes : Cross Lanes, Winchester, Port Republic, 
Cedar Mountain, Antietam, Dumfries, Chancel- 
lorsville, Gettj'sburg, Mission Ridge, Lookout 
Mountain, Ringgold, and in all the engagements 
in which his regiment took part in Sherman's 
march on Atlanta. JS^o officer can show a prouder 
record. He was always with his command, and on 
all occasions showed great bravery and gallantry, 
as well as ability to command. 

Immediately after the Seventh was mustered out, 
he was appointed major of the One Hundred and 
Seventy-seventh Regiment, and left soon after for 
the field. He now added to the above glorious list of 
battles that of Franklin, where he fully sustained 
the honors that he gained while with the old Sev- 
enth. He is at the present time in General Thomas' 
army, where he will remain, if his life is spared, 
until the overthrow of the rebellion. 

CAPTAIN J. B. MOLYNEAUX. 

The subject of this sketch was born, January 1, 
1840, at Ann Arbor, in the State of Michigan. At 
the age of four years his father removed to Penn 
Yan, New York, and soon after to Bath and Elmira, 
in the same State. In 1854, young Molyneaux 
went to Belville, Ohio, and commenced the study 
of medicine in the office of Dr. Whitcomb. He 



A RECORD. 217 

remained for nearly a year, wlien, not liking the 
study, he went to Cleveland, Ohio, and entered the 
job-office of John Williston, where he learned the 
art of printing. 

Having a natural liking for military life, he joined 
the Light Guards, and afterwards the Sprague 
Cadets, of which he was appointed drill-master. 
On the first call for troops, he joined a company 
being raised by Captain De Yilliers, as a private, 
being among the first to enroll his name. Soon 
after arriving in camp, he was appointed a sergeant, 
and, immediately after, drill-master for the non- 
commissioned officers of the regiment. On the 
three years' organization, he was unanimously 
chosen first-lieutenant by the vote of his company. 
He remained with this company during the earlier 
part of the campaign in Western Virginia, taking 
a gallant part in the aff'air of Cross Lanes, as also 
in the final march of Major Casement's detachment 
to Charleston. After this action, he was placed in 
command of Company E, which command he held 
until January, 1862, and then being relieved, only 
for the purpose of receiving the appointment of 
adjutant. 

He took part in all the marches and skirmishes 

in both Western and Eastern Yirginia. At the 

battle of Winchester, he was mentioned, in the 

official report of his colonel, for gallantry on the 
10 



218 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

battle-field. At the battle of Port Eepublic, he 
won new laurels, being constantly under the en- 
emy's fire. In the fearful struggle at Cedar Moun- 
tain, he particularly distinguished himself. He 
was, for a limited time, in command of the regi- 
ment, during which he extricated it from a position, 
where, under a less skilful leader, it would have 
been captured. In this gallant exploit, Molyneaux 
lost two horses, one of them being pierced by four- 
teen bullets. 

In September, 1862, he was appointed captain, 
after having waived rank three times. This posi- 
tion he held until March, 1863, when, on account 
of wounds and ill-health, he was compelled to re- 
sign. In the mean time, he was with the regiment 
in all its marches, as well as the battle of Antietam 
and the affair at Dumfries. 

On his return home he followed his occupation 
of a printer, until the governor's call for the Na- 
tional Guard, when he again entered the service as 
a captain. His regiment being stationed in the 
defences of Washington, he was placed in command 
of a fort, which was, a part of the time, garrisoned 
by several companies. After the expiration of his 
term of service, he returned to his home in Cleve- 
land, and resumed his business. 



A EECOED. 219 



CAPTAIN CHARLES A. WEED. 

Charles A. Weed was born, March 30, 1810, in 
Lake County, Ohio. lie enlisted in Captain John 
N. Dyer's company, on the 22d day of April, 
1861. After its arrival in camp, he was made 
orderly-sergeant, in which capacity he developed 
fine military talent, such as led his company, at 
an early time, to look upon him as a proper 
person for promotion when a vacancy should occur. 
Therefore, on the final organization of the company 
for the three years' service, he was made a first- 
lieutenant. He was with the regiment d^'ring the 
entire Western Virginia campaign, taking part in 
the skirmish at Cross Lanes, in which he took com- 
mand of the company after the death of Captain 
Dycir, which position he held until January, 1S62, 
when he was relieved by an officer promoted to 
the captaincy by reason of superiority of rank. 
He was soon after made captain, February 5, 1862, 
and assigned to Company E. 

He now took part in all the marches and skir- 
mishes in Eastern Virginia, and also in the battle 
of Winchester, where he displayed great gallantry. 
After this battle, he commanded his company in 
the pursuit of Jackson to Harrisonburg, and in the 
toilsome march to Fredericksburg, and the return 
to Front Royal. He was now in the advance to 



220 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

Port Eepublic. In the battle which succeeded, 
he displayed great courage, as well as ability to 
command. He took part in the battle of Cedar 
Mountain and Antietam, and also in the skirmish 
at Dumfries. On the 22d of February, 1863, he 
resigned, and returned to his home. 

There were few better officers in the regiment. 
He was prompt in the discharge of his duty, seldom 
questioning the propriety of an order emanating 
from a superior, but executing it at once. In his 
intercourse with his fellow-soldiers, he was frank 
and courteous, and all cherished the kindest feelings 
towards him. 

CAPTAIN JUDSON K CROSS. 

The subject of this sketch is a native of Ohio. 
When the war broke out he was attending college 
at Oberlin, Ohio. He immediately enrolled him- 
self in Captain Shurtliff's company, and was soon 
after made a first-lieutenant. He served with his 
company in Western Yirginia, with much credit to 
himself and profit to his country. At the skirmish 
of Cross Lanes he was brave, and showed that he 
was competent to command. During the affair, he 
was severely wounded in the arm and taken prisoner. 
At the battle of Carnifcx Ferry, which followed 
soon after, he was recaptured by the forces under 
General Kosccrans. Being unfit for service, he now 



A RECORD. 221 

went to his home, where it was thought he might 
recover siifSciently to rejoin his command. But 
after the expiration of some months, being still 
unable for service, he was ordered on recruiting 
service at Cleveland, Ohio. He was engaged in 
this work until the fall of 1862, when he was 
honorably mustered out of the service, on account 
of the unimproved condition of his wound. In the 
mean time, however, he had been promoted to a 
captaincy. 

CAPTAIN JOHN F. SCHUTTE. 

Entered the service as a lieutenant in Captain 
"Wiseman's company, and on its organization for 
three years, was made its captain. He was with 
the regiment until just before its affair at Cross 
Lands, when, being on picket duty on the banks of 
the Gauley River, he imprudently crossed over, 
and after advancing some miles into the enemy's 
country, was fired upon by a body of cavalry, con- 
cealed in the bushes, and mortally wounded. After 
being taken to an old building close by, he was left, 
at his own request, and soon after expired. The 
rebels buried him on the spot. No braver officer 
ever entered the service. Had he lived, he would 
undoubtedly have distinguished himself. 

At the time of his death, no officer had a better 
reputation. His company was somewhat difficult 



222 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

to manage, but while he was in command, it was 
not surj)assed for discipline, and hardly equalled. 
He was kind to every one who did his duty, but 
when one of his men failed to do that, he came 
down upon him with a heavy hand. 

His loss was deeply felt throughout the entire 
command. His company had recognized in him 
a leader, and they deplored his loss. 

LIETJT. LOIJIS G. DE FOREST. 

Louis G. De Forest was born in Cleveland, Ohio, 
on the 9tli of September, 1838. His youth was 
spent in the city schools, where he acquired a fair 
education. In 1853, at the age of fifteen years, he 
entered the store of IST. E. Crittenden. It is a high 
compliment to his industry and business habits, 
that he has remained in his employ since that date, 
with the exception of the time that he spent in the 
military service. 

Having a natural taste for military life, in 1859 he 
joined a company of Light Guards as a private, but 
soon rose to the positions of corj)oral, sei'geant, and 
finally lieutenant. The latter position he filled 
with credit, until the rebellion broke out, when, on 
the organization of the Sprague Cadets, for three 
months' service, he hastened to enrol his name. 
He was soon made oi'derly sergeant, which j)Osition 
he held when the company went into camp. After 



A RECORD. 223 

the regiment arrived ia Camp Dennison, he was 
elected a second-lieutenant of his company. And 
on its final organization for the three years' service, 
he was chosen its adjutant, by a vote of its officers, 
and soon after received his commission, with the 
rank of first-lieutenant. 

He accompanied the regiment in its arduous 
Western Virginia campaign, and during the time 
Colonel Tyler commanded a brigade, he served as 
acting assistant adjutant-general. At the affair at 
Cross Lanes, he took a prominent as well as gallant 
part. lie was among the number of those who 
made the march over the mountains to Elk River 
and Charleston. 

He accompanied the regiment to Kelly's depart- 
ment, where he again acted as acting assistant 
adjutant-general to Colonel Tyler, serving in this 
capacity until his resignation, which took place in 
March. 

"When the ITational Guard was organized, he 
raised a company, and was made its captain. In 
this position he served during the one hundred days' 
campaign of this corps, being stationed in a fort in 
the vicinity of Washington. 

Every one who came in connection with the 
Seventh Kcgimcnt will remember the stentorian 
voice and soldierly bearing of its first adjutant. 



224 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT: 

LIEUTENANT HALBERT B. CASE. 

Halbert B. Case was born in Trumbull County, 
Ohio, May 3, 1838. His father being a farmer, 
lie was bred to that occupation. At the age of 
sixteen years he entered the W. K. Seminary, at 
Farmington, Ohio, preparatory to entering college. 
After a year and a half spent in this institution 
of learning, he went to Oberlin, where he pursued 
his studies for more than three years, when, 
his health failing him, he was compelled to leave 
college. 

During the winter of 1859, his health being some- 
what improved, he went to Tiffin, Ohio, and com- 
menced the study of the law. He remained here 
two winters. In the spring of 1860, being in 
indifferent health, he returned to his home in 
Mecca, Ohio, where he pursued his studies privately 
for some months. After which he went to Warren, 
anrd studied law with Forrist and Burnett until the 
breaking out of the rebellion. 

On the 19th day of April, 1861, deeming it his 
duty to serve his country, he enlisted in Asper's 
comj)any, the first organized in the county. He 
was soon after made orderly-sergeant. When the 
three years' organization was made, he was unani- 
mously chosen a lieutenant by a vote of his com- 
pany. 



A EECOED. 225 

He served honorably during the campaign in 
Western Virginia, taking an active part in the 
affair of Cross Lanes, sharing the fortunes of the 
detachment under Major Casement. 

Among the first promotions that were made in 
ISTovember, 1861, he was remembered by the au- 
thorities, and appointed a first-lieutenant. lie ac- 
companied the regiment to Eastern Yirginia, where 
he joined the expedition to Eomney and Blue's 
Gap. 

While at Patterson's Creek he felt it his duty to 
resign his commission, on account of a personal 
difiiculty with Colonel Tyler. He therefore left 
the regiment early in February, with the regrets 
of the entire command. 

He was not long permitted to remain at home, 
for his former servi^ces were acknowledged by giv- 
ing him a commission as captain in the Eighty- 
fourth Regiment, which was being organized for 
three months' service. This position being ac- 
cepted, he proceeded with his regiment to Cum- 
berland, Maryland. Soon after its arrival he was 
made provost-marshal and commandant of the post. 
In this position he won an enviable reputation. 
Among his first orders was one against the use and 
sale of intoxicating liquors, which he proceeded to 
enforce in an effectual manner ; and thus materially 

aided in maintaining order and quiet at the post. 
10* 



226 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

After nearly five months' service, when the regi- 
ment was mustered out, he was appointed colonel, 
for the purpose of reorganizing it for three years' 
service. He immediately entered upon this task ; 
but owing to the number of regiments at that time 
being organized in ]N^orthern Ohio, he was but 
partially successful. The regiment being finally 
consolidated with the One Hundred and Twenty- 
fourth Ohio, he returned to his home. 

He soon after entered the law-school at Ann 
Arbor, Michigan ; and after a year and a half 
spent at this university, he graduated, with the 
degree of L. L. B. Soon after, he returned home, 
married, and commenced the practice of his pro- 
fession at Youngstown, Ohio. 

LIEUTENANT HENRY Z. EATON. 

Lieutenant Eaton entered the service as a private, 
but on the three years' organization was made a 
second-lieutenant. He was with the regiment 
constantly during the campaign in Western Vir- 
ginia, and always at his post. He took an im- 
portant part in the Cross Lanes afi'air, and in the 
march of Major Casement s detachment. 

He now went to the East with the regiment, 
when Colonel Tyler being given a brigade, he 
was assigned to his staff as aid-de-camp. He held 
this position at the battle of Winchester; and no 



A EECOKD. 227 

one in the army did better service. He was con- 
stantly in the saddle, riding fearlessly in the heat 
of the battle, a fair mark for the rebels. During 
the engagement his horse was wounded. He was 
mentioned in official reports for gallant conduct. 
He soon after took part in the battle of Port Re- 
public, where he added much to his already well- 
earned reputation for courage and other soldierly 
qualities. He now followed the regiment to Alex- 
andria, where he returned to his company and to 
the front of Pope's army, where he was at the 
battle of Cedar Mountain, in which he was severely 
wounded. He soon after returned to his home, 
and finally resigned, on account of disability from 
wounds. • 

LIEUTENANT A. H. DAY. 

A. H. Day was a lieutenant in company F, in 
which capacity he accompanied the regiment in 
Western and Eastern Yirginia, taking part in the 
battles of Winchester and Port Republic, in both 
of which he did good service. In the latter he was 
severely wounded in the shoulder, by reason of 
which he was soon after compelled to resign. 

LIEUTENANT WILLIAM D. SHEPHERD. 

William D. Shepherd entered the service as a 
private in company D. He was soon after made a 



228 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENTI 

Borgeant, and at Camp Dennison, orderly. He fol- 
lowed the fortunes of his company through the 
wilds of "Western Virginia till the affair at Cross 
Lanes, where he showed great gallantry. He 
went with his comjDany to Charleston, where, in 
the absence of Lieutenant Weed, he took com- 
mand. During this time the company was 
detailed to guard a party who were engaged 
in erecting a telegraph line from Point Pleasant 
to Gauley Bridge. In this service he gave good 
satisfaction to all concerned in the undertaking. 

He now remained with his command until a 
few days before the battle of Winchester, when he 
was compelled to leave the field on account of 
inflammation in one of his eyes. It had become 
very painful long before he would consent to go 
to the rear. A fever soon following, he was com- 
pletely prostrated. He now went to his home, 
where he was engaged in the recruiting service. 
He returned to his regiment late in the summer, 
and having been promoted to first-lieutenant, was 
immediately made adjutant. He served with the 
regiment in this capacity until after the affair at 
Dumfries, when he was compelled to resign on 
account of ill-health. 

After his return home he did great service in 
recruiting. In the winter of 1863-4 he canvassed 
Lake and Geanga counties, and was the means of 



A EECOED 229 

enlisting a laro;e number of men. On these occa- 
sions he made speeches, of which any public 
speaker might well be proud. 

In the fall of 1S64: he raised a company for the 
National Guard, which he commanded in the one 
hundred days' service. Returning to his home, he 
was appointed a quartermaster, with the rank of 
captain, and assigned to a division in the TM^enty- 
third Army Corps. 

His promotion was won in the field, and there- 
fore honorable. His commission as second-lieuten- 
ant bears the date of November 25th, 1861 ; and 
that of first-lieutenant early in the following year. 

Every one who has fallen in company with 
Lieutenant Shepherd will remember him as a ge- 
nial friend and profitable companion. His frank- 
ness and courtesy have made him many friends. 
To know him, is to esteem him. I doubt whether 
he has an enemy in the world. He has always 
been a warm supporter of the Government, al- 
though not an American citizen by birth, having 
been born in Canada. 

LIEUTENANT E. HUDSON BAKER. 

Lieutenant Baker entered the service in Company 
C. He remained with the regiment during its en- 
tire campaign in Western Yirginia, doing good 
service. At the affair at Cross Lanes, he was par- 



230 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT I 

ticularly conspicuous for gallantry. He now took 
command of the company, which he held during 
the remainder of his term of service. He was in 
the battle of Winchester, where he commanded his 
company with great credit to himself. As an of- 
ficer, he was very popular with his command ; as a 
companion, he was sociable and benevolent. He 
was finally compelled to resign from ill-health, 
but much against his wishes. He desired to re- 
main until the close of his regular term of service, 
and then return with his old comrades ; but his 
increasing debility would not admit. 



LIEUTENANT RALPH LOCKWOOD. 

Lieutenant Ralph Lockwood entered the regi- 
ment, on its first organization, in Company E. He 
served creditably through the Western Virginia 
campaign, taking part in the skirmish at Cross 
Lanes, and the battles of Winchester and Port 
Republic. In these battles he was distinguished 
for personal courage. By constant exposure, he 
contracted a rheumatic difiiculty, which finally 
compelled him to resign, at a time when his ser- 
vices were much needed in the regiment. 

LIEUTENANT T. T. SWEENEY. 

Lieutenant T. T. Sweeney entered the service in 
Company B. He saw much service in Western 



A RECOED. 231 

Yirginia, and was in every respect a gallant officer. 
At Cross Lanes, he made an honorable record. 
Soon after this skirmish, he resigned his commis- 
sion, and returned to his home in Cleveland, Ohio. 

LIEUTENANT EDWARD W. FITCH. 

Lieutenant Fitch entered the service in Company 
I. lie served faithfully until after the skirmish of 
Cross Lanes, in which he bore a gallant part. 
While at Charleston, he resigned his commission, 
and returned to his home. 

LIEUTENANT A. J. WILLIAMS. 

Lieutenant Williams came into the regiment as 
second-lieutenant of Company D, which position he 
filled with much credit till after the affair at Cross 
Lanes, when he resigned his commission. At the 
time the above skirmish took j)lace he was sick, and 
therefore did not take part in it. Previous to this 
he had toiled on with his company, through all its 
terrible marches and dreary bivouacks ; and for this 
is entitled to the gratitude of the country. 



OUK DEAD. 



COLOTs^EL WILLIAM R. CREIGHTON^ AND 
LIEUT.-COLONEL ORRIN J. CRANE. 

Colonel William R. Creighton was born in Pitts- 
burgh, Pennsylvania, in June, 1837. At the age of 
ten years, he entered a shoe-store, where he re- 
mained for two years ; after which he entered a 
commercial college, where he remained for six 
months. But these pursuits were not to his liking 
— he had no taste for accounts. We next find him, 
at the age of thirteen years, in the job-office of Mc- 
Millin, in Pittsburgh, where he remained for four 
years, completing his apprenticeship. The year 
following, he went to Cleveland, Ohio, and entered 
the Herald office, where he remained till the fall 
of 1S60, with the exception of one winter spent in 
a job-office in Chicago. 

He united with the fire companies of both Pitts- 
burgh and Cleveland, and was an active and zeal- 
ous member. In 1858, he joined the military 
organization known as the Cleveland Light Guards, 



236 THE SEVENTH KEGIMENT! 

and soon after became a sergeant, and a lieutenant. 
He advanced in rank without any effort — it was a 
matter of course. 

When the rebellion broke out, his love of adven- 
ture would not permit him to remain at home ; but 
he immediately set himself at work organizing a 
company, which was completed in a few days, and, 
on the 22d day of April, marched to Camp Taylor. 
He immediately commenced drilling his company, 
and with such success, that it took the lead of all 
then in camp. 

At this time his military genius shone so con- 
spicuously that he was looked on by all as the 
future leader of the regiment. 

All will remember with what skill and pride he 
led the regiment in its first march. It was on a 
beautiful Sabbath morning ; and as the young 
soldier, with a proud step, took his position at the 
head of the column, every eye was turned upon 
him in admiration ; one could see in the counte- 
nances of the men, a willingness to follow such a 
leader amid the hail and thunder of battle. Before 
reaching Camp Dennison, this admiration warmed 
into a determination to place him in a position 
wlien, at no distant day, he could be made avail- 
able as the commander of the regiment. Therefore, 
on its arrival at camp, he was elected lieutenant- 
colonel, a position which he did not seek, nor in- 



A RECORD. 237 

timate to any that he desired. Yeiy many were 
desirous of making liim coloneh 

During the stay of the regiment at Camp Den- 
nison, he took no active part, seldom being seen on 
drill, or on duty of any kind. When the regiment 
was about leaving, however, he took command, 
Colonel Tyler having gone to Virginia in advance 
of the starting of the regiment. Previous to the 
movement, every thing had been arranged in per- 
fect order ; but this arrangement was partially de- 
feated by the indecent haste of a captain. An 
unutterable look of scorn and contempt settled 
upon the features of Creighton ; but not a word 
passed his lips. He never entirely forgave that 
officer for this act of disobedience of orders, till his 
death, when all feelings of animosity gave way to 
regrets for his loss ; for, outside of a disposition to 
criticise the conduct of his superiors, he was a brave 
as well as competent officer. 

Arriving at Clarksburg, he turned over the com- 
mand to Colonel Tyler ; but on arriving at Glen- 
ville, he again assumed command, which he held 
until reaching Cross Lanes ; in the mean time, 
drilling the regiment daily when in camp. During 
this time it improved rapidly ; in fact, it acquired, 
during this short interval, most of the proficiency 
it possessed. 

On the march back to Cross Lanes from Twenty- 



238 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

mile Creek, he was with the advance, in command 
of the skirmishers. During the affair which suc- 
ceeded, at the above place, he bore himself cred- 
itably. During the retreat, his horse fell with him : 
seizing the holsters, he started on foot through the 
underbrush, but soon after saw his horse coming 
after him at full speed. He again mounted ; but 
in a short time his horse again fell, when, for the 
second time, he abandoned him ; but he was soon 
joined by his faithful " Johnny," and this time the 
devoted horse carried its gallant rider safely to 
Gauley Bridge. 

This misfortune to the regiment completely un- 
manned him. Meeting a comrade on the retreat, 
who was not in the engagement, he burst into 
tears, and, grasping his hand, in choked utterances 
related the story of their encounter. 

While the regiment remained at Charleston, 
Creighton was in command, and was untiring in 
his efforts to advance his command in both drill 
and discipline ; and I doubt whether any regiment 
in the field made more rapid progress towards 
perfection. It seemed to emulate its leader, who 
was ever at his post. 

When an order came for five hundred picked 
men from the regiment to report to General Ben- 
ham for duty, in the pursuit of Floyd, he was 
chosen to command the detachment. On arriving 



A EECORD. 239 

at Benliam's lieadquarters, he was given the ad- 
vance, and, for several days, was separated from 
Floyd's camp by a range of mountains only, lie 
was finally given a brigade, although only a lieu- 
tenant-colonel, and ordered across a range of moun- 
tains to the rear of the enemy ; but for some reason 
no attack was made, and soon after, half of the 
command was ordered back. 

During tlie pursuit of Floyd, he travelled on 
foot at the head of his regiment. When the rebel 
army was likely to be overtaken, Benham remarked 
to him, that " he depended on him to rout the en- 
emy," and gave him the post of honor ; but when 
the firing became rapid, his regiment was ordered 
to the front, where a part of it was engaged in 
skirmishing, while the balance were smoking their 
pipes and engaging in sports, almost under the 
guns of the enemy, Creighton enjoying the fun 
as well as any in the command. 

The detachment returned, after fifteen days' ab- 
sence, without the loss of a man, save one injured 
by the accidental discharge of a gun. 

The regiment now went to the East, where, soon 
after, Tyler was given a brigade, and Creighton 
again commanded the regiment. 

At the battle of "Winchester, which followed soon 
after, his was the first regiment in the famous 
charge of the Third brigade, for which it acquired 



240 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

such renown. He disagreed with the commanding 
officer as to the manner of making the charge, pre- 
ferring to deploy before advancing, than to charge 
a battery in close column. But throwing all per- 
sonal feelings and preferences aside, he dashed 
forward, and finally deployed his regiment within 
eighty yards of the enemy's line of battle, and 
under a terrible fire of both musketry and artillery. 
His horse being shot from under him, he seized a 
musket, and engaged in the strife, firing rapidly 
till near the close of the battle, when he was com- 
pelled to cease for the purpose of executing some 
order. 

On the return of the command to New Market, 
after the pursuit of Jackson to near Harrisonburg, 
the company tents were ordered to be delivered up ; 
whereupon Creighton was very indignant, and, in 
connection with other officers, sent in his resigna- 
tion. They were ordered to report to General 
Shields tlie next morning. Accordingly, dressed 
in their " best," they reported. They were received 
with all the politeness that pompous general knew 
how to assume, with an invitation to be seated. 
The general informed them that their resignations 
would not be accepted ; but remarked, that, " if 
they desired it, he would have their names stricken 
from the army rolls in disgrace." This witticism 
rather amused Creighton than otherwise, and ho 



A RECOED. 241 

returned to camp with a iniicli better opinion of 
the general than he was possessed of before making 
his visit. 

He now commanded the regiment in its march to 
Fredericksburg, sharing with his men the hardships 
attending the toilsome march ; and when, a few days 
after, the regiment returned to the Yalley, he did 
much to cheer the men in that discouraging march. 

At Front Royal he remained with his regiment 
during a heavy storm, to which it was exposed 
without tents, disdaining to seek shelter and com- 
fort while his men were thus exposed. 

The men were now very destitute of clothing, 
especially, shoes ; but when ordered, he moved to 
Columbia Bridge, followed by one hundred men 
barefooted. He now went personally to General 
Shields, but M-as coldly received by that general, 
being subjected to insulting remarks. He came 
back to his regiment with that same unutterable 
expression of contempt stamped upon his features, 
which all will remember who served with him in 
the field ; and getting his men in column, closed in 
mass, made a speech. Said he: "lam unable to 
procure shoes or other comforts for you ; but I will 
follow these generals until there is not a man left in 
the regiment. Forward, company H !" And he 
did follow them to Port Republic, where his words 
came near proving true. 

11 



2-12 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT: 

At tliis battle his bravery and daring were ob- 
served by every one. He made repeated charges 
Avith liis regiment, the line being as correct as on 
di-ess-parade. After one of these charges, the 
enemy's cavalry came dashing towards his regi- 
ment, and dispositions were immediately made 
for forming a square ; but the enemy wisely wheel- 
ed, and charged another regiment. The colonel of 
this regiment, being nnable to get his men in posi- 
tion, shonted in a stentorian voice : " Men of the 

th, look at the Seventh Ohio ; and d — u yon, 

weep !"' 

In this battle the regiment made five charges, 
"under the leadership of Creightou ; and each time 
driving the enemy. 

After the battle was over, and the regiment on 
the retreat, seeing a wounded captain lying almost 
within the enemy's lines, he rode up to his com- 
pany, and pointing to where he w'as lying, said : 
" Do you see your captain over yonder ? I^oio, go 
for liimn They did go for him, and succeeded in 
bringing him from the field in safety. 

Only a few were missing from the regiment in 
this action, although the list of killed and wounded 
was fearful. 

We next find Creighton at the battle of Cedar 
iNTountain, where a small division fought the whole 
of Jackson's army on ground of his own choosing. 



A EECOED. 243 

Crcighton handled his regiment with a dexterity 
that told fearfully on the ranks of the enemy. Re 
\vas finally severely wounded, and compelled to 
leave the field, in doing so, he ke])t his face to the 
foe, saying that " no rebel ever saw his back in 
battle ; and never would." He was taken to Wash- 
ington, where the bullet was extracted from his 
side, which was an exceedingly painful o})eration. 
Soon after this he came to his home ; but while 
still carrying his arm in a sling, he reported to his 
regiment. 

While at home the battle of Antietam was 
fought, which was the only one in which he failed 
to participate. Soon after his return, the affair at 
Dumfries- occurred, where, through his ingenuity 
and skill, Hampton's cavalry command was de- 
feated by a mere handful of men. For this he was 
publicly thanked by Generals Slocum and Geary. 

He now took part in the battle of Chancellors- 
ville, where he won new laurels. It is said that 
being ordered by General Hooker to fall back, he 
refused to do so until able to bring Knapp's Bat- 
tery safely to the rear ; for which disobedience of 
ordere he was recommended for promotion. This 
battery was from his native city, and in it he had 
many friends. 

Next he was at Gettysburg, where he fought with 
his accustomed valor. 



244 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

We now find him at Lookont Mountain and Mis- 
sion Ridge, in " Hooker''s battle above the clouds," 
where the victory was so suddenly and unexpectedly 
won, that scarcely sufficient time intervened in 
which to display valor. It was simply a race for 
the toj) of the mountain on the part of our men ; 
and a corresponding race on the part of the 
rebels for the foot of the mountain on the oppo- 
site side. 

After this battle came the pursuit of Bragg. 
His rear-guard was overtaken at Ringgold, Geor- 
gia, where it was securely posted on the top of 
Taylor's Ridge — a naked eminence. It was mad- 
ness to undertake to drive them from this hill, 
without the use of artillery to cover the- assault; 
but in tJie excitement of the moment the order 
was given. In this assault Creighton commanded 
a brigade. Forming his command, he made a 
speech. " Boys," said he, " we are ordered to 
take that hill. I want to see you walk right up 
it." After this characteristic speech, he led his 
men up the hill. It soon became impossible to 
advance against the terrible fire by which they 
were met ; he, therefore, led them into a ravine, 
but the rebels poured such a fire intp it from all 
sides, that the command was driven back. Reach- 
ing a fence, Creighton stopped, and facing the foe, 
waited for his command to reach the opposite side. 



A RECORD. 245 

While in this position he fell, pierced through the 
body with a rifle bullet. His last words were : 
"Oh, my dear wife!" and he expired almost imme- 
diately. The brigade now fell rapidly back, carry- 
iuir the remains of its idolized commander with it. 



Lieutenant-Colonel Orrin J. Crane was born in 
Troy, ISTew York, in the year 1829. xVt three years 
of age his parents moved to their native State, 
Yermont. Soon after, his father died, leaving but 
limited means for the support and education of his 
children. His mother was a Christian woman, 
and devoted to her children. From her he re- 
ceived his first lessons of life ; and a worthy 
teacher he had. He cherished his mother with 
the utmost affection, dwelling upon her goodness 
with almost child-like simplicity. It was touching 
to listen to the words of love and confidence fall- 
ing for her, from the lips of the sturdy warrior, 
■who braved the battle-fire without a tremor. 

In early youth he went to live with an uncle, 
and in about 1852 came with him to Conneaut, 
Ohio, where he employed himself in mechanical 
labor. He spent one year on the Isthmus, and 
after his return went to Cleveland, where he en- 
gaged in the occupation of a ship-carpenter, fol- 
lowing this trade till the fall of Sumter. "While 



2iQ THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

in Cleveland he associated himself with a military 
organization. 

He entered the service as first-lieutenant in Cap- 
tain Creigliton's comj^any ; and oji his promotiun, 
was made captain. He early devoted himself to 
the instruction of his company ; and it can be 
said that it lost nothing of the efficiency it ac- 
quired under the leadership of Creighton. 

After the regiment entered the field, his services 
were invaluable. I doubt if the entire army con- 
tains an ofiicer who has performed more service, in 
the same length of time, than Crane. If a bridge 
was to be constructed, or a road repaired, he was 
sent fur to supei'intend it. If the commissary de- 
partment became reduced, he was the one to pro- 
cure supplies. No undertaking was too arduous 
for his iron-will to brave. Tiiere was no fear of 
starvation while the sturdy Crane was pi'esent. 
All relied on him with the utmost confidence, 
and no one was ever disappointed in him. 

At the affiiir of Cross Lanes, where he first came 
under fire, he was more than a hero ; he seemed 
possessed of attributes of a higher nature. He 
moved amid that sheet of flame, as if possessed of a 
soul in communion with a higher power. He in- 
spired his men with true courage. They stood like a 
wall, and fell l)ack only when ordered by their 
leader, then dashed tln-ouu'h the strons: line of the 



A EECORD. 247 

enemj with a bravery wliich was trnlj sublime. 
The eiiemv, although five to one, hesitated, swayed 
backward, and finally fled, so severely punished, 
that for the time they did not pursue. In that long 
inarch, over the mountains to Gauley Bridge, he 
was still the proud leader. 

After his arrival at the above place, he was sent 
out to the front, up 'New River, where he rendered, 
valuable service. 

He was in every march and skirmish in both 
Western and Eastern Virginia, until, we find the 
regiment at the battle of Wind i ester. In this 
engagement he showed the same indomitable and 
true courage. He held his men to the work of 
carnage so fearfully, that the enemy's slain almost 
equalled his command. 

We now find him in every battle in which his 
regiment was engaged in the East. Port Republic, 
Cedar Mountain (where he was slightly wounded), 
Antietam, Dumfries, Cliancellorsville, and Gettj^s- 
burg. In all of these he led his command, and the 
dead of the enemy left on the field before it attest 
how -well he led it. 

At the battle of Antietam, he commanded the 
regiment, and during the latter part of the engage- 
ment, a brigade. 

Before the regiment left for the West, he was 
made lieutenant-colonel ; a position which his ability 



248 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT: 

and long, as well as faithful, service of his country 
rendered him eminently qualified to fill. 

Arriving in the West, he commanded the regi- 
ment in the battles of Lookout Mountain and Mis- 
sion Ridge, where he added new laurels to his 
already imperishable name. At fatal Ringgold, he 
again commanded the regiment. lie led it up the 
steep ascent, where the whistling of bullets made 
the air musical : and where men dropped so quietly 
that they were scarcely missed, except in the 
thinned ranks of the command. The regiment had 
not recovered from the shock produced by the 
announcement of the death of Creighton, when the 
noble Crane, on whom all hearts were centred in 
the fearful peril of that hour, fell at tlie feet of his 
devoted comrades, pierced through the forehead by 
a rifle bullet. He spoke not a word — his strong 
heart ceased to beat ; and Iiis soul took its flight 
from its blood-red tenement, and from the confusion 
of battle, to the land of patriot spirits. He fell so 
far in the advance, that his men were driven back 
before possessing themselves of his body, — but soon 
after it was recovered. 

The sketches of Creighton and Crane now lie in 
the same path. 

After the bodies of the fallen braves had been 
laid side by side, the remaining few of a once full 



A RECORD. 249 

regiment gathered around and mourned, — the silence 
alone being broken by the tears and sobs of a band 
of warriors, grieving for the loss of their chieftains. 
"Was such a scene ever witnessed? Those forms, 
now cold and bloody, had often led them on the 
field of carnage, to victory and glory ; under their 
leadership the regiment had been made immortal ; 
and now, in all their pride, and glory, and chivalry, 
they had gone down to rise no more. No wonder, 
then, that their brave followers paid their last 
tribute to all that was mortal of their renowned 
leaders. It seemed to these mourners, in their loss 
the regiment itself was blotted out — that it would 
no more be known and honored — that its sun had 
forever set. But no, many a brave heart, that 
stood in that circle, was to be made a sacrifice to 
his country; many more hearts were to be left 
crushed and bleeding for the loved ones fallen in 
battle. When the last tear had been shed, and the 
last vow made over these fallen braves, the regi- 
ment moved away in profound silence. 

While this scene was being enacted afar off 
among the hills of Georgia, the peaceful valleys of 
Ohio were echoing with the lamentations of friends 
at home. The hearts of the people of the Western 
Reserve were bound by the strong ties of kin and 
friendshijD to tliis gallant regiment, which had but 

just made its great sacrifice, and they were all in 
11-:^ 



250 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

munrnin<^. When the news came of tliis great 
disaster, it could not be believed ; the friends of the 
fallen would not give them up. And it was not 
until a dispatch was received that their bodies were 
on the way home, that it was generally believed. 
At last, when the people realized that the sad news 
was indeed true, meetings were called by the rep- 
resentatives of all branches of trade and industry. 
Resolutions of resjDect were passed, and preparations 
made to receive the dead, on their arrival, in a 
becoming manner. 

When General Hooker learned of the death of 
Creighton and Crane, he raised both hands, in sur- 
prise and grief, exclaiming, " My God ! are they 
dead ? Two braver men never lived !" 

General Butterfield, chief of staff, gave orders to 
remove the bodies to the rear. They were conve^'ed 
to Chattanooga by Sergeant Tisdell, where they 
were met by Quartermaster Loomis, and privates 
Wetzel, Shepherd, and Meigs. General Slocum 
testified his appreciation of their worth, by accom> 
panying their bodies as far as Tullahoma. When 
the news reached him of their death, his grief was 
so profound, that the stern veteran burst into tears. 

They were taken to Nashville to be embalmed. 
But little, however, coukl be done for Creighton, as 
he had bled inwardly ; his body was therefore put 
into a metallic case. Crane^s body Avas embalmed, 



A RECORD. 251 

and placed in a plain, but neat coffin, till it should 
arrive in Cleveland and be transferred to a burial 
case. Dr. ISTewburj, of the Sauitarv Commission, 
rendered much service in this work, after which he 
accompanied the remains to Louisville. From this 
place they were forwarded to Cijicinnati by train, 
wliere they were met by the special escort from 
Cleveland, consisting of Colonel Hay ward, Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel J. T, Sterling, Lieutenant-Colonel 
Frazee, Captain Baird,. Captain Molyneaux, Captain 
De Forest, Captain "Wiseman, Surgeon Cushing, 
and Quartermaster Chapin. 

On Sunday morning the train dashed into Cleve- 
land, and stopped at the foot of Superior-street. 
Two hearses were in waiting. One for Colonel 
Creighton, drawn by four white horses ; the other 
for Lieutenant-Colonel Crane, drawn by four black 
horses. Each was draped by American flags and 
the usual insignia of mourning. 

The remains of Colonel Creighton were now re- 
moved from the car to the hearse, and conveyed to 
the residence of Mrs. Creighton, on Bolivar-street. 
The remains of Lieutenant-Colonel Crane remained 
under guard, till the return of the escort, when 
the_y were taken to the residence of the widow. 

This bright Sabbath will long be remembered. 
But a few short Sabbaths before, the coffined dead 
left the city of their homes, possessed of life and 



252 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT: 

Lope : looking forward with pride and happiness 
to the termination of an honorable career in the 
service of their country. And often in their night 
vigils, over the dying embers of their picket-fires, 
had they conversed on the subject, passing the long 
]iight in dreams never to be realized. The remain- 
ing few of your followers have, indeed, long since 
returned ; and although the hearts and feet of these 
brave warriors were heavy with the tramp of weary 
months, yet your slumber was not disturbed. Long 
years shall roll away, in which war's tumult and 
carnage shall cease; but you shall only be known 
among men by your good deeds left behind, and 
perpetuated in the hearts of your countrymen. 

On the Tth of December the bodies of Creighton 
and Crane were brought from tlie residences of 
their families and taken to the Council Hall, for 
the purpose of lying in state, to be seen by the 
public. The same hearses were used as on the 
arrival of the bodies from the South. 

The Council Hall was elegantly and appropriately 
decorated. In the centre, within the railing, a 
handsome canopy had been placed, with roof of 
national flags, draped with mourning emblems, 
suspended from the ceiling, and trailing at the 
corners to the ground. Wreaths, loops, and fes- 
toons of black and white edged the canopy. On 
the inside, from the centre, hung a large pendant 



A RECORD. 253 

of mourning emblems, beneath wliich was the bier 
en which hiy the bodies of the galhxnt dead. 

On the president's desk, at the head of the hall, 
were portraits of Colonel Creighton and Lieutenant- 
Colonel Crane, draped in mourning ; and against 
the wall, behind the place of the president's seat, 
was a life-size portrait of Colonel Creighton, also 
draped in mourning. Above this portrait was this 
inscription, in black letters on white ground : 

" My God ! are they dead ? 
Two braver meu never lived !" 

— GeneraIj Hooker. 

The windows were hung with black, and the gas- 
lights threw a dim, solemn light over the mournful 
scene. 

The bodies were placed in handsome burial- 
cases, and the covers removed, so that they could 
be seen through the glass fronts. As we have 
before mentioned, the body of Colonel Creighton, 
from the wounds having bled inwardly, was so much 
changed, previously to reaching JSTashville, that it 
was impoesible to properly embalm it ; and there- 
fore did not present a natural appearance. That of 
Lieutenant-Colonel Crane was in good preservation, 
and could easily be recognized. 

The bodies were guarded by a detachment of 
members of the old Seventh, who formed the guai'd 
of honor. 



254 THE SEVENTH KEGIMENT : 

Tlie following account of the funeral services is 
from the Cleveland Herald of the 9th of Decem- 
ber. 

" The sad pageant is over, A sorrowing people 

have paid their tribute of affection and regret over 

the remains of the dead heroes. The brave leaders 

. of the glorious but ill-fated Seventh sleep in their 

quiet tomb. 

" Tuesday, the 8th, was a bright and beautiful 
day. Its clear sky and pleasant atmosphere were 
strangely similar to that briglit Sunday' in May, 
two years and a half ago, when the Seventh Regi- 
ment marched out of Cleveland on its way to the 
battle-fields where it was destined to win such 
renown. The unclouded sun shed a halo of glory 
on all that was left of the brave men who led the 
old Seventh in many a'iight ; but who now were to 
be laid away in the silent and peaceful tomb. 

" The bright day opened on a city of mourners. 
People gathered on the streets, waiting for the hour 
for the funeral. Business was unthouglit of, even 
the hitest news by telegraph, exciting as it M'as, and 
calculated to stir the i)ulse with triumphant joy, 
failed to engross the attention. Men spoke of the 
dead heroes, of their first depai-ture for the war, of 
their terrible battles and bloody sacrifices ; and of 
that last fearful struggle on the hill at Ringgold, 
where the gallant leaders laid down their lives fur 



A EECORD. 255 

their country, amid their dead and wounded com- 
rades. 

" From every flag-staff the national colors hung 
at half-mast, and signs of mourning were every- 
where visible. • As the hour set for the commence- 
ment of the solemn exercises drew near, business 
was entirely suspended throughout the city. The 
stores were closed, the Federal, State, and city 
offices shut their doors, and a Sabbath-like stillness 
reigned over thti city. Soon came the tramp of 
armed men, the mournful wail of bugles, and the 
funeral roll of the drums, as the troops moved up 
to take part in the funeral procession. 

"The bodies had remained in the Council Hall 
over-night, guarded by the old comrades of the 
eallant dead. The families and relatives were in 
the mayor's office, waiting for the hour of moving 
the procession. At half-past ten o'clock the bodies 
were removed from the Council Hall and placed in 
hearses which were draped with the national colors, 
looped up with mourning emblems. 

" The pall-bearers were as follows : For Colonel 
Creigliton — Colonel Senter, Colonel Whittlesey, 
Major Mygatt, Lieutenant-Colonel Asper, Major 
Seymour, Captain McHrath, Captain Ransom, Cap- 
tain Stratton. For Lieutenant-Colonel Crane — 
Lieutenant-Colonel Goddard, Lieutenant-Colonel 
Sterling, Major Palmer, Captain Drummond, Cap- 



256 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT : 

tain Douglass, Captain Wilson, Captain Standart, 
Captain Hill, 

" Tlie burial-cases were the best that money could 
buy. On one was the following inscription : 

Col. W. R. Creightok, 

7tli O. V. I, 

In liis 27th year. 

Killed at tlie Battle of Ringgold, 

Nov. 27tli, 1863. 

" On the other was the inscription : 

LiEUT.-CoL. O. J. Crane, 

Fell at the Battle of Ringgold, 

Nov. 27th, 1863. 

" On each coffin was laid a handsome wreath of 
immortelles, with the sword of the dead officer. 

" The Twenty-ninth Volunteer Militia were drawn 
up in line each side of the way between the Coun- 
cil Hall and the Stone Church, and the mournful 
cortege passed through the lane so formed, Leland's 
Band playing a dirge. The hearse was followed 
by the mourners in carriages — Governor Brough, 
Surgeon McClurg, of the United States Military 
Hospital, the City Council, and City and County 
Officers, all wearing crape badges. 

" Thousands of people lined the way, and crowded 
around the church with the hope of getting in ; but 
there was not a sound from them, as the procession 



A RECORD. 257 

passed on to the clinrcli. And sncli perfect order 
and decorum we never before saw in such a vast 
concourse. 

IN THE CHURCH. 

" At the churcli — as indeed throughout the whole 
of the obseqnies — the most perfect arrangements 
had been made, and were carried out. The read- 
ing-desk was draped witli flags and crape. Directly 
in front was a stand with an elegant bouqnet of 
flowers, and below this another stand, draped with 
national colors, on which rested the two coffins, 
side by side. 

" The silk banner of the Seventh, presented by the 
city after Cross Lanes, and bearing the names of 
several battles, was displayed against the reading- 
desk. It was pierced and rent by showers of bul- 
lets and shell in many a hard-fought battle. 

"The families and relatives of the deceased were 
j^laced in the seats immediately in front of the 
bodies. On either side of the coffins sat the pall- 
bearers. Directly behind the mourners sat about 
a dozen or more of the members of the old Cleve- 
land Light Guard, the company commanded by 
Colonel Creighton before the war, and of which 
Lieutenant-Colonel Crane was a member. They 
wore crape badges, and had with them the com- 
pany flag, draped in mourning. 



258 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT : 

" Near the reading-desk were seated Governor 
Brough, Surgeon McClurg, and other invited 
guests, tlie committees, city council, city officers, 
county officers, the clergy of the cit}^ and neighbor- 
hood, members of the old Seventh, members of the 
old Cleveland Light Guard, soldiers from the Mili- 
tary Hospital, members of the Typographical Union, 
ship-carpenters, and other friends of the deceased. 
The body of the church was packed tightly with 
citizens, of whom the greater Y>^vt were ladies, 
preference being given to them in the selection of 
seats. The Twenty-ninth Regiment stood in the 
aisles. 

"During the entry of the procession to the church, 
the organ played a voluntary suitable to the occa- 
sion. At half-past eleven o'clock the funeral cere- 
monies in the church commenced with an invoca- 
tion of the Divine blessing by Rev. S. W. Adams, 
of the First Baptist Church, who afterwards read 
appropriate passages of Scripture. 

" The choir then sang the Ninetieth Psalm : 

" ' God ! oui" help in ages j^ast, 
Oiii- help in years to come ; 
Our shelter from the stormy blast. 
And our eternal home ; 

" ' Beneath the shadow of Tliy throne, 
Thy saints have dwelt secure ; 
Sufficient is Tliiue arm alone. 
And our defence is sure. 



A RECORD. 259 

" ' Before the hills in order stood. 
Or earth received her name, 
From everlasting Thou art God — 
To endless years the same. 

" ' Thy word commands our flesh to dust : 
Return ye sous of men ! 
All nations rose from earth at first, 
And turn to earth again. 

" ' O God ! our help in ages past, 
Our help for years to come : 
Be Thou our guide while troubles last, 
And our eternal home.' 

"Rev. Adam Crooks, of the Wesleyan Metho- 
dist Cluirch, then made the following address, at 
the request of the family of the late Colonel 
Creighton : 

" 'To-day we are in the solemn presence of inex- 
orable death. We are impressedly reminded that 
dnst we are, and nnto dust we must return ; that 
" death is the mighty leveller of us all ;" that "the 
tall, the wise, the heroic dead must lie as low as 
ours." Two lifeless heroes are before us — 

" ' Their swords in rust ; 

Their souls with God in heaven, we trust.' 

We would do well to pra}^ with the liero of other 
days : " So teach us to number our days, that we 
may apply om* hearts unto wisdom." Before us 
are tw^o more rich offerings which the State of Ohio 
and Cleveland have laid iipon our country's altar ! 



260 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT: 

They were pi'eceded by Wheeler, Lantry, Pickands, 
Malian, Yail, and others. We are here to mourn, 
to honor, and to bury the noble dead ! They were 
the pride of our city and of ]^orthern Ohio. Brave 
and honored representatives of a brave and honored 
constituenc}" ! Of one thousand eight hundred 
soldiers who have filled the ranks of the Seventh 
Regiment Ohio Yolunteer Infantry, but little over 
a hundred now report for duty. Many of them 
sleep in patriots' and heroes' graves. Most of the 
remainder bear on their persons honorable marks 
of their patriotism and bravery. In lionoring the 
representative, we honor the constituency. 

" ' But (jeneral remarks are not appropriate from 
me. At the request of the stricken widow and 
relatives of Colonel Creighton, I come to utter a 
few words of condolence, sympath}^, and comfort, 
in this hour, to them and to us all, of deep affliction. 
Brother Foot will sj^eak in behalf of the relatives 
of Lieutenant-Colonel Crane. 

" ' Colonel William R. Creighton was born in the 
the City of Pittsburgh, in the year 1836 or 1837— 
the records are not in this city. In early childhood 
he was bereft of a father. He was baptized by the 
Rev. Bishop Uphold, now bishop of Indiana, of the 
Protestant Episcopal Church. 

" ' In his early teens, he served in the employ of 
Mr. A , in au extensive shoe establishment. 



A KECORD. 261 

Subsequently, lie chose the occupation of a printer, 
and spent three years in making himself master of 
his trade. Eight years ago he came to this city — 
was four years in the office of the Cleveland Herald. 
Also some six months in the City of Chicago. At 
the time of enlistment, he was in the employ of 
Mr. Nevans of this city. Early in life, he gave 
evidence that the tendencies of his nature were 
strongly military. 

" ' This was evinced by his connection with com- 
panies for drill in Pittsburgh, Chicago, and this 
city. "When the bloody drama of this dreadful war 
was inaugurated, he was lieutenant of the ' Cleve- 
land Light Guard.' He was not willing that the 
fair and majestic superstructure, reared by the 
superior skill, patient labor, and heroic suffering of 
our honored fathers — resting its deep foundations 
in the inalienability of the natural rights of all men, 
and in which the most indigent son of toil stands 
before the law the equal peer of merchant princes — 
should be torn down by perjured traitors and sworn 
enemies of mankind ; not willing that these traitors 
and enemies should bury beneath the magnificent 
niins of this superstructure our strength, and great- 
ness, and safety, and peace, and very liberties ; not 
willing that this young, yet powerful republic, 
should be so dismembered and disintegrated as to 
tempt the rapacity, and be an easy prey of the 



2C2 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

weakest of adverse powers ; not willing that the 
principle, that ' Cajntal shall own labor,'' the noii- 
capitalled be the chattel of the rich, should rule all 
over this continent — that labor should be at once 
unreniunerative and the badge of infamy, that thus 
there should be eternal antagonism between the 
indigent and the affluent, developing in intestine 
broils and civil feuds, — nor that the sun of liberty 
should go down upon an entire hemisphere, to rise 
not again for many generations ; not willing that 
the forum, pulpit, and press should all be enslaved, 
and intelligence among the masses be rendered con- 
traband ; in brief, not willing that our Paradise 
should be converted into a Pandemonium. 

" ' Hence, no sooner had the news reached us of 
the assault upon Fort Sumter, and the call of the 
President for seventy-five thousand volunteers to 
rush to the defence of the life of the republic, than, 
with all the ardor of his earnest nature. Colonel 
"William R. Creighton threw his all upon his 
country's altar, and appealed to his associates and 
compeers to do likewise. 

" ' Ilis success in securing enlistments was com- 
mensurate with his zeal and known military skill. 
In a few days he was captain of a full company — 
the first enlisted in this city — which afterwards 
became Company A of the immortal Seventh 
Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. On the 



A EECOKD. 263 

morning of tlie 3d of May, ISGl, a beautiful Sabbath 
morning in the spring, emblem of life, youth, and 
beauty, this regiment started for tlio field of con- 
flict, glory, and of death. And now, on a clear, 
serene Sabbatli of tlie December of 1863, the dying 
month of the year, the first Sabbath of the month, 
and in the morning, after many hard-fought battles, 
the brave colonel and lieutenant- colonel of the 
gallant Seventh came back to say to us, in the 
mute silence of death, ' We have done what we 
could.' In terms and strains of true eloquence 
you will soon be told bj^ Brother Peck, how bravely 
the colonel led the charges at Cross Lanes, Win- 
chester, Port Eepublic, Cedar Mountain (not at 
Antietam, for he w'as at home wounded), Dumfries, 
Chaneellorsville, Gettysburg, Lookout Mountain, 
and fatal Pinggold, — and how he loved his brave 
command, and how they idolized him. But I will 
not anticipate, nor need I attempt encomium. His 
deeds praise him beyond the capacity of all human 
eloquence. 

" ' Of his social and manly qualities, one who 
knew him well is permitted to speak, in a letter 
of Christian sympathy, addressed to his widow — for 
the 2d of May, 1861, three days before leaving with 
his command, he was united in wedlock with 
Eleanor L. Quirk, of this city. In a letter, such as 
described above, the Kev. Mr. Brown, former pastor 



20-4 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

of Westminster Church, and for some months 
chaplain of the Seventh Regiment, says : 

"'Mes. Colonel Creighton: My dear Friend — I have just 
read in the dispatches that your brave husband and Lieutenant- 
Colonel Crane were killed in the late battle at Ringgold, Georgia. 
Oh, how sad this is ! Sad to me who loved him ; but how 
terribly sad to you, his beloved wife ! I cannot write about it. 
Precious memories of hours and days of dangers and hardships, 
shared together in Western Virginia (and of one long, serious 
conversation about death and eternity, as we rode together at 
midnight through the woods) crowd upon me. He was warm- 
hearted, generous, and noble. He loved his country unto death. 
He was brave, even to rashness. But he has gone !' 

" 'Yes, the warm-hearted friend, the loving brother, 
the affectionate son, the devoted husband, the brave 
soldier, the undying patriot, the fearless and fiery 
Creighton, is gone ! We are here to-day to honor 
his memory, recount his heroic deeds of noble 
daring, mourn his fall, and convey his lifeless re- 
mains — with those of his brave comrade, Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel Crane — to the tomb of a hero and a 
patriot, 

" ' What words of elegiac comfort shall I speak to 
his numerous personal and sorrowful friends ; his 
brothers in the union of the same useful and honor- 
able handicraft ; his brave comrades in arms of the 
noble Seventh, and other regiments, who are here 
to attest their affection and sorrow ; his brother 
in the flesh, who is now left without a brother ; his 



A EECORD. 265 

aged and sorely bereaved mother ; and his youthful, 
but grief-stricken, widow ? How shall /, who 
would take my place with the mourners, speak 
words of comfort to you ? 

" ' Let us remember that although our deai\ dear 
friend will no longer mingle with us in the social or 
domestic circle, — will not again lead regiment or 
brigade of fearless braves in the thickest and hottest 
of the fight, inspiring to feats of exalted heroism — 
his brave and generous heart now cold and life- 
less — dim and sightless those eyes ^yhose radiant and 
enlivening orbs beamed, now with kindness, and 
now with fiery bravery — his intercourse with the 
living world, brought to a final period, — let us 
remember, that although Colonel Creighton is gone, 
yet he is not lost ; he is not lost to his country, for 
it has his noble example of true bravery and practi- 
cal patriotism. 

" ' He is not lost to us who knew him, for he lives, 
and will ever live, templed in our brightest memo- 
ries and best afiections. Xor can he be lost to 
history, for he has made the offering which places 
his name on its brightest page. 

" ' Death never comes alone, but is always attended 

by an escort of sadness. Whenever the silver cord is* 

loosed, the golden bowl broken, the pitcher broken 

at the fountain, the wheel broken at the cistern, and 

dust returns to the earth, as it was, mourners go 

12 



266 THE SEVENTH KEGIMENT : 

about the streets. But it is especially sad, when, 
as ill this case, sister, mother, and wife are denied 
the sorrowful pleasure of being present, and minis- 
tering to the wants of the dying, and speaking 
words of Christian hope. But even this finds an 
offset in tlie fact that it was his honored privilege 
to die for country — to fall, covered with glory ! 
Also, in the fact that his body was not mangled — 
that he did not suffer long — in the assurance fur- 
nished by the words, ' Oh, my dear wife !' uttered 
in dying accents after he fell, and before he expired, 
that his last thoughts were of home and kindred ; 
and may not we hope that these words were 
breathed in prayer, and that he thrcAv his whole 
soul helpless, but trustfully, upon the merits of the 
Saviour? Again, it is a source of great gratifica- 
tion to US all, and especially to the relatives, that 
he does not fill a distant and unknown grave — that 
he was tenderly borne from the field, and promptly 
forwarded for honorable interment. His grave is to 
be in our midst, marked by a marble shaft, which 
will scarcely crumble beneath the tread of the 
coming ages. You can go there and j)ay the 
mournful tribute which nature and afi'ection promj^t. 
And may it not be believed, that from their pa- 
triotic ashes (for Creighton and Crane fought and 
fell together, and they are to rest side by side) — is 
it not to be believed, that from their 2>atriotic ashes 



A EECOED. 267 

will spring a rich harvest hi hind^ to at once avenge 
their fall, and save our imperilled country? And 
Mill not fathers and mothers conduct their children 
to these honored graves, and there put upon theni 
vows of eternal hostility to treason and to traitors, 
be they secret or armed, even as Ilamilcar caused 
his son Hannibal to swear, at the altar, eternal 
hatred to Rome ? And will not every one who 
visits their tombs, and reads their epitaphs, whisper, 
" Peace and honor." And when this cruel M'ar is 
over, and the God of our fathers shall crown our 
labors and sufferings with success, and bestow 
upon us, as a nation, an honorable, righteous, and 
perpetual peace, then, amid tiie light, and songs, 
and joy of the nation's jubilee, let their epitaphs be 
written anew. And during all ages, peace to their 
ashes, peace to their memory, and peace to their 
heroic spirits. 

'• 'Let us this day, around the lifeless forms of these 
fallen heroes, not profanely, but solemnly and re- 
ligiously, swear that the lives of these, together 
with the lives of hundreds of thousands of the 
flower of the nation, given for the salvation of the 
country, shall not be given in vain ; that we will 
complete well, what they have so well begun. 

" ' I need not ask of you, in behalf of the aged 
mother and bereaved widow of Colonel Creighton, 
your warm, your practical, your continued sym- 



268 THE SEVENTH KEGIMENT: 

patliies : tliese, 1 am sure, will not be withheld. 
But I now ask you to join me in one fervent 
prayer to the God of the aged, the fatherless, and 
the widow, our fathers' God, and the God of bat- 
tles, that He will, by His almighty arm, sustain, 
and, by His abundant grace, comfort the aged 
mothers, and bereaved widows, and afflicted friends 
of onr brave soldiers, and their departed sons, 
husbands, and brothers ; that He will thus sustain 
and comfort all whose hearts have been cloven by 
the battle-axe of war ; that He will abundantly 
shield, help, bless, and comfort our brave soldiers 
upon the field, in the hospitals, and prisoners in 
the hands of our enemies ; and tliat He will speed- 
ily bestow upon our imperilled country the ines- 
timable blessing of an honorable, righteous, and 
lasting peace. Amen.' 

" Kev. C. C. Foot, at the request of the family of 
the late Lieutenant-Colonel Crane, made the fol- 
lowing address : 

'' ' The duties we are called to perform — the bear- 
ing of our dead brave to their final rest — is indeed 
solemn and sad. That those who admired and 
loved them in life, and delight to honor them when 
dead, should, with sympathizing hearts and grateful 
hands, nihiister such a funeral ovation, is due to 
them in view of the sacrifice they made, the toils/ 
they endured, and their deeds of patriotism and 



A BECOED. 269 

valor. "When the bugle was first sounded in Wash- 
ington, calling the ]^[orth to the defence of our 
institutions, these were among the first to respond ; 
leaving their business, their friends, and their fam- 
ilies, for the field of strife, they unsheathed their 
swords to strike for freedom's sacred cause. In 
many skirmishes, and in every battle of their bri- 
gade, they struck with such bravery and success as 
to have secured perpetual illustriousness ; while 
ever a nation exists to feel the throb of a nation's 
heart, while a man lives to read the annals of 
America, their noble deeds shall be known, and 
their illustrious names shall be honored. 

" ' They passed through so many dangers almost 
unscarred, that they feared no ill, and their families 
began to expect with confidence their return to 
the enjoyments of home, ere many months more 
should have flown. But when on Ringgold's hill- 
side they raised their swords to gleam as never 
before, from a volley of Confederate musketry their 
death-warrant came. Their bodies sank to the 
ground — their spirits ascended through the smoke- 
cloud of battle to the patriot's God, to join the slain 
of the Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, where the 
stars forever shine in original splendor and glory. 
On the morrow, instead of the ready pen reporting 
to loved ones at home that " all is well with us," 
the telegraph was put in requisition to announce 



270 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT: 

that never more should their voices be heard by 
friend, companion, or offspring. Oh, how sad snch 
intelligence ! How many families, how man}' ten- 
der, loving, trembling hearts throughout the land, 
have been made sorrowful by like intelligence since 
this war was so cruelly hurled upon us ? From 
what our soldier friends do and suffer from the 
myriad untimely deaths, shall we not learn the 
magnitude of the work of the army, and our great 
indebtedness to all who have gone to fight for us, 
our homes, and our country ? Let us render them 
the honor due. When men become illustrious, it is 
but natural that their friends review their lives, 
and that others inquire who they are, whence they 
came, and what circumstances molded them for 
their greatness. To answer briefly and in j^art such 
inquiries about one of these brave men — Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel O. J. Crane — is the work to which I 
have been invited. Lieutenant-Colonel Crane was 
born in Chautauque County, New York, in the year 
1829. AVhen about three years old, his parents 
removed to their native State, Vermont. Soon 
after this, his father died, and he was left to climb 
life's rugged hill from his mother's arms to man- 
hood, without the invaluable aid of a father's coun- 
sels and assistance. Lie was blest with a kind, 
intelligent, and prayerful mother, to whom he owed 
no small amount of gratitude. 



A RECORD. 271 

" ' Her care and labor for liis health, and even his 
life, were constant and great. While quite young, 
he once received a burn, so severe that his life was 
despaired of. The attendant physician said he 
could not live — or living, would alwa3's be helpless. 
But his mother loved him into Vfe and healthy little 
thinking that she had saved him from one fire, only 
to see him exposed and becoming a victim to a 
more galling one; little thinking that to him, for 
whose life she struggled, she and the nation would 
became indebted for liberty and political securit}'. 
During his youth he lived chiefly with an uncle, 
and with whom, about thirteen years ago, he lo- 
cated in Conneaut, Ohio. While there, he was 
employed in mechanical labor. He spent one year 
on the Isthmus. On his return from the Isthmns, 
he came to Cleveland, and found employment as a 
ship-carpenter. In this city, and this business, he 
remained till called to participate in our national 
conflict. 

" ' As a mechanic, he enjoyed the confidence and 
esteem of his employers and his fellows. As a man, 
he drew around him a pleasant circle of friends, 
constant and afi'ectionate, who deeply mourn his 
loss. In disposition, he was frank, manly, kind, 
and ever cheerful. He leaves a sorrowing wife, to 
whom he was married nine years ago, three small 
children, a mother, brothers and sisters. Their 



272 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT: 

bereavement is too great, their grief too deep, for 
even them to express in language. Yet not till 
weary weeks shall fail to bring letters from the 
battle-field — not till months confirra that no hns- 
band returns — not till years reveal the need of a 
father to guide the orphans, and a companion to 
sustain an aching heart, shall be fully realized the 
magnitude of the sacrifice made, in laying upon a 
nation's altar a husband and a father. 

" ' The subject of these remarks had never made 
a public profession of faith in Jesus. He had 
respected religion. He showed great kindness 
and respect to the chaplain of his regiment, and 
consequently had a good chaplain. He also, after 
entering the service, became interested in personal 
religion. He professed a readiness to die when 
called. Let us pray and hope that beyond the 
turmoil of this life, he may receive his dear ones to 
everlasting fellowship of joy. 

" ' Some months ago he became a member of the 
Masonic fraternity. Though so soon taken from 
them, yet — 

" ' By the liieroglyTiliic bright, 
Which none but craftsmen ever saw, 

Strange memory on oiir minds shall write 
His honored name that's tar awa.' 

" ' Citizens of Cleveland and Ohio, as we embalm 
Lis name in our memory, let us not fail to remem- 



A EECOED. 273 

ber, also, tlie dear family he has left. Let us give 
them our heartfelt sympathy — not the sympathy of 
2>ityj but that oi gratitude — for his and their debtors 
we are. He gave his life ; not for himself, but for 
us who live, for our homes, and our posterity. 
SuiTounding the husbandless with what comforts 
we can, and supplying the fatherless with fatherly 
care, and aid, and sympathy, let us, to our utmost, 
discharge our indebtedness. Let us work and 
pray that but few more brave need fall ; and that 
the time be speeded when the defenders of our 
liberties shall be welcomed home to the enjoyment 
of their triumphs, with the jubilant acclamation of 
many millions of freemen.' 

" Professor IL E, Peck, at the request of the 
General Committee, delivered the address on behalf 
of the city, as follows : 

" ' On a fair Sabbath in Ma}^, only three short 
seasons ago, just as the bells were calling the town 
to worship, a regiment passed down yonder street. 
That, citizens, was a spectacle which you who saw 
it will never forget, l^ot because the marching 
column was striking to the eye. There was no 
pageant. There were no arms, no banners. There 
was not even a uniform. The farmer, the student, 
and the smith, were in that line; and the farmer 
marched in the garments he brought from the fur- 
row, and the student and the smith were attired as 
10* 

In/ 



274 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT: 

they had been in the recitation-room and shop. 
But for all that, the display was profoundly im- 
pressive. Here was the flower of the Reserve. 
Lake, Mahoning, Trumbull, Lorain, and Erie, each 
had a hundred ; Portage, twice a hundred ; and 
Cuyahoga, thrice a hundred in the line. And each 
hundred was made up, not of the rabble, but of 
sons, whom worthy fathers and mothers dearly 
loved ; of men, who, if they should stay at home, 
would soon be conspicuous for wealth, or learning, 
or skill in useful arts. And these thousand true 
men, loved well at home, made of sterling stuff, 
were on their way to war — to actual war. To serve 
the imperilled country, they had quit all, — farms, 
shops, books, friends, hopes, the past, the future, — - 
all but duty and honor. They might never return. 
The vow on them might take them to bloody fields, 
from which there should be no passage except 
down through tlie gates of death. Oh, kinsman, 
was not that an impressive scene ? Did you ever 
see the like ? Did not tears wet your eyes as you 
looked on ? Were not the cheers with which you 
sent the heroes on their way divided, as shouts 
of yours had never before been, nor have been 
since, between admiration and sorrow ? 

" ' This, friends, was the first march of our gallant 
Seventh. You do not forget that in that march 
the column was led by a young captain, whose 



A RECORD. 275 

high carriage and soldierly bearing were almost 
the only signs of real military display. The body 
of that 3'oung captain lies in one of yonder coffins. 
Of him, and his brave comrade M'ho sleeps beside 
him, I am to speak on this occasion. The history 
of the noble Seventh is their late history. With it, 
therefore, let me begin. 

'"The Seventh left Cleveland May 5, 1861. It 
went hence to Camp Dennison, where E. B. Tyler, 
of Ravenna ; W. R. Creighton, of Cleveland ; and 
John S. Casement, of Painesville, were made its 
first field-ofiicers. In the June following, while it 
was still at Camp Dennison, the regiment was 
reorganized and sworn into the three-years' service. 
I well remember seeing Captain Crane, whose re- 
mains are yonder, on a sweet Sabbath afternoon — 
men, sun, air, and earth, all were glad, and the 
harmonies of nature were tunefully praising God — 
bringing his company to the colonel's quarters to be 
sworn in. I well remember the impression which 
the strong voice of the sombre captain made upon 
me, as, after the young soldiers, with bare heads and 
uplifted hands, had taken the oath, he cried, " Com- 
pany, right face ; forward, march !'' The tone of 
the command was as if he would say, " Now, men, 
there is no retreat. Only service, perhaps death, is 
before you." 

" 'A week later, Genei^l McClellan, who had 
13* 



276 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT : 

tlieii jnst taken command of tlie Western Depart- 
ment, came looking for the right material ■\vith 
which to begin his Western Virginia campaign, 
and inspected the regiment. But it was not at 
garments the shrewd leader looked. It was the 
jperson he studied. He songlit the eye. lie nar- 
rowly scanned the look. Down the line and back 
again he slowly went. I saw the expression on his 
face, as at the end, lie seemed to say to himself, 
''''They are the rigid sort .^" In the reorganization ot 
the regiment, the staff remained as it was before. 

" 'On the 2Gth of June, 1S61, the Seventh left 
Camp Dennison, to enter on active service in AVest- 
ern Virginia. With many long marches it sought 
the foe. It had begun to doubt whether it would 
ever meet him, when, at Cross Lanes, on the 20tii 
of August, he came, with overwhelming force. 
For a brief sj^ace, the companies, separated fi'om 
each other, held their ground. Then, from bare 
and irresistible necessit}'-, they gave way. Twenty- 
four gallant men were left on the field, dead or 
wounded. One hundred were carried away prison- 
ers, and the remainder were scattered likje jDartridges 
which have received the sportsman's fire. At iirst, 
tidings came to us that the Seventh was wholly 
destroyed. How ached our hearts ! Presently, 
better news came. Major Casement had brought 
four hundred men throuo-h the wilderness into 



A EECOED. 277 

Charleston, and Captain Crane had come to Gauley, 
bringing, not only almost his entire company, bnt 
a flag which he liad captured from the enemy. 

" ' Then came to the regiment days of distraction 
and despondency. Yon, and others of the Keserve, 
heard of, and agonized over its condition. To 
encourage and cheer it, you sent it a stand of beauti- 
ful colors. At the Academy of Music, as you will 
remember, before a throng of your best citizens, the 
standards were dedicated. 

" ' On a mountain-side, in Western Virginia, with 
Kosecrans' army lying miles up and down, and 
with the smoke of the enemy's camp-fires rising in 
the distance, the}' were presented to the regiment. 
I wish I could picture the scene, the splendors of 
the magnificent landscape, the exquisite beauty of 
the colors as they proudly glowed in the clear sun- 
liglit, the enthusiasm of the men and the pride of 
the officers. Your present helped to rouse the 
spirit of the regiment. The words of love and con- 
siderate regard, which you sent with the gift, 
assured it that its honor was not yet lost. How 
thrilling, how hopeful, was the cheer which rolled 
off among the hills, as the color-guard took its 
trust ! 

" ' From the Kanawha the Seventh went, on the 
ITth of December, 1861, to the Potomac. There, 
now led by Lieutenant Colonel Creighton — Colonel 



278 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

Tyler having taken temporary command of a bri- 
gade — it met, at Winchester, March 23, 1SG2, Jack- 
son's celebrated " Stonewall Legion." Hot was the 
fire, when the Northern iron met the Southern 
flint. The Seventh left fifty-six dead and wounded 
on the field. But it won a name in the fight. The 
story told of them, the land over, was, they fought 
like veterans. Then came the long chase up the 
Shenandoah, then the hard march across to Eastern 
Virginia, and back to the gates of the Shenandoah. 
Then came Port Republic, the first square stand-up 
fight which the regiment had, when, led by Creigh- 
ton, in an open field, in a line trim enough for a 
dress parade, and with " Cross Lanes" for its battle- 
cry, the glorious Seventh charged down on Jack- 
son's steadfast front. Ah, how the list of the dead 
and wounded was again fearfully swelled ! Seventy- 
two names were added to it. 

" ' By this time the regiment had become so re- 
duced by the casualties of war, that its friends on 
the Reserve asked that it miglit be sent home to 
recruit. " No," promptly replied discriminating 
Halleck, " not so long as there is a lame drummer 
left; not if you will send us a whole new regiment 
in place of this handful. We know these men, they 
are just such as we want." Colonel Tyler's promo- 
tion to a brigadiership brought Lieutenant-Colonel 
Crcighton to the head of the regiment, and this, 



A RECORD. 279 

and other changes, presently made Captain Crane 
a Lieutenant-Colonel. The regiment now had 
plenty of duty. It fought at Cedar Mountain, and 
there, on the extreme advance, it met the brunt of 
danger. 

"'In one companj^, out of twentj'^-one men en- 
gaged, eighteen fell killed or wounded. The whole 
regiment suffered in hardly less proportion. One 
hundred and ninety-six, of the two hundred and 
ninety-seven heroes engaged, fell. There, fiery 
Creighton, as usual, not content to be elsewhere 
than on the extreme front, was so severely 
wounded that he was compelled to come home to 
recover. 

" 'Soon the regiment was at Antietam, and there it 
shared the toils and honors of that honorable field. 
Thirty-eight fallen men, out of one hundred en- 
gaged, was the price it paid for its opportunity. 
Presently it fought and prevailed against great odds 
at Dumfries. Here it lost ten more of its scant few. 

" 'In the next year's campaign, after lying in camp 
and being considerably recruited, the regiment was 
at Chaucellorsville. There it did good service, by 
catching and holding on its steady line droves of 
fugitives, who were ingloriously seeking the rear, 
and by covering the retreat of its corps. It lost, at 
Chancellorsville, ninety-nine men. Next the regi- 
ment was at Gettysburg. There, for the first time 



280 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

in its history, it fonglit behind defences ; nor conld 
Ewell, surging with fiery vahjr up against tlie rocky 
rampart, break the line which it, and its compeers 
of the Twelfth Corps, held. The Seventh lost at 
Gettysbni'g nineteen men ; and, as from every field 
before, so from this, it brought honor and a new 
name. From the Potomac the regiment went, iu 
September last, to the Tennessee. There, on the 
24:th of last month, it shared in that brilliant " bat- 
tle above the clonds," by svhicli Hooker cleared 
Lookout Mountain. Decisive as the result of its 
courage here was, it seems to have left behind but 
one wounded man as its share of the sacrifice which 
the victory cost. Then came the pursuit of Bragg, 
and the overtaking of his rear-guard at Einggold ; 
then the climbing, by the Twelfth Corps, of that 
bare hill, on the top of which tlie enemy was se- 
curelj' posted. Staunch Creighton was in command 
of a brigade, and Crane led the Seventh. The 
cliarge was a desperate one, but Creighton did not 
falter. Kindling to that ardor of which he was so 
susceptible, he urged his command on. " Boys," he 
said, " we are ordered to take that hill. I want to 
see you walk right up it." Then putting himself, 
not in the rear, as being temporarily a brigadier he 
might have done, but far in the advance, he led the 
way. And Crane, close behind, stoutly held the 
Seventh to its bloody work. The men were ready 



A EECOED. 281 

for the task. The zeal of Cross Lanes, of Winches- 
ter, of Port Republic, burned to a white lieat. The 
gallant Seventh, leading the column, flung itself 
into tlie billows of fire, as if it w^ere rescuing lionie 
from robber hands. But, ah ! chivalric Creighton 
fell, and, alas ! sturdy Crane, too ; and of the com- 
missioned officers of the Seventh, but one remained 
unhurt. Is it wonderful that the grand old reo-i- 
ment, losing the inspiring command of the brave 
soldiers whose voices had so often aroused its pur- 
poses, fell back ? Oh, Creighton and Crane, had you 
lived, the Seventh would, perhaps, without help, 
have carried the dear old colors, tattered bj so 
many leaden storms, into the enemy's defiant works ! 
Sad tale that I must tell, of the two hundred and 
ten sons and brothers of ours who went into the 
fight, ninety fell; of the fourteen commissioned offi- 
cers on the field, thirteen were killed or wounded. 

" 'My story of the Seventh is done. Yes, the Sab- 
bath comes ; sweet, clear day, as bright as that holy 
morn on which the Seventh first went its way. A 
sad cortege passes up the same street yonder. Mu- 
sic wails at its head. A downcast guard of honor 
marches, with mourning colors, behind hearses 
trimmed with the badges of woe. Look you, kin- 
dred, the band which follows the dead is made up 
of the men who marched in that May Sabbath line 
two years ago. But the farmei^, the student, the 



282 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

smith, are not there. These are soldiers all. They 
are scarred with the marks of Cross Lanes, of Win- 
chester — naj, let me not stop to recite the long list 
of battles through which they have passed. Yes, 
here is part of the scant few left out of the eighteen 
hundred staunch men who have stood under the 
flag of the Seventh ; and here, hearse-borne, are the 
bodies of the good leaders who shall head the regi- 
ment no more. Pause now, citizens, while I tell 
you about these noble men. Colonel Creighton 
was born in Pittsburgh. He was but twenty-six 
years of age when he fell. For several years he fol- 
lowed the trade of a printer in this city. But he 
was born to be a soldier, and years ago he learned, 
in civic schools, a soldier's trade. So, when the war 
broke out, he was fit to take command. He 
raised a company in this city. At once his military 
talent was revealed. He had not a peer in the camp 
as a drill-master, and there was something about his 
ardent nature which made men feel that he was fit 
to command. Thus superior ofiice came to him — 
he did not seek it. But getting it, he discharged 
his duties well. He was afi'ectionate to his men, 
erring only in being, perhaps, too free with them. 
And when battle came, he was a master-spirit in the 
dreadful storm. Burning with enthusiasm, almost 
rasli with courage, he could inspire his " game- 
cocks" — as he familiarly called his men — with such 



A RECORD. 283 

qualities as are most needed in the charge and in 
the deadly breach. I have often asked sound think- 
ing members of the Seventh, " What of Creighton ?" 
The answer has always been, "77(3 is a soldier, every 
inch.'''' 

" ' Lieutenant-Colonel Crane was born in Troy, 
New York, in the year 1828. He, too, has been a 
mechanic here for many years. Like his chief, he, 
too, had learned the use of arms before the war com- 
menced. Lie was, therefore, amply qualified to take 
command of his company when Captain Creighton 
was promoted. And no ordinary disciplinarian 
was Captain Crane. He had a difheult company, 
l)ut it was with a strong hand that he laid hold of 
his work. Headstrong men had a master in him. 
AVithal, he was the soul of kindness to those he 
commanded. His rugged nature, despising military 
finery, and the pomps and forms of military life, 
came down at once to plain, blunt, frank, but sin- 
cere and hearty intercourse with the men under 
him. If you wished to find Captain Crane, you 
must look for him where his boys were; and if his 
boys had had a trying or toilsome work, you might 
be sure he was lightening the load by his own ex- 
ample of brave and sturdy patience. He did not 
have an impulsive nature. He was not a thunder- 
bolt on the field. He was rock, rather. Fiery 
floods might break against him, and yet he was 



284 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT! 

always the same ; always imperturbable, honest, 
strong. 

" ' I should have said before, that Colonel Creigh- 
toii was in every battle wliich the Seventh ever 
fought, except Antietam. It is in place for me 
to say here, that Lieutenant-Colonel Crane took 
pai't in every battle in which his regiment shared." 
I doubt if another instance of the kind is on record. 
"Would that the Hand which had so often averted 
danger, could have turned the fatal bullets aside at 
Kinggold ! 

" 'And now, friends, I am, at the invitation of 
the joint-committee of the city council, the mili- 
tary, the T^q^ographical Union, the ship-carpenters, 
and yourselves, and as the representative of other 
towns, who helped raise the Seventh, to bring a 
tribute of gratitude and praise to the memory of 
the gallant dead. In my poor way, I here certify 
to the noble qualities, to the brave deeds of the 
soldiers coffined yonder. I come to say, that the 
honor done them by the city, by the military, by 
yourselves, by good men who, in other towns, 
mourn their loss, is well bestowed. The heroes 
have earned their honors. They have bought 
them with such high conduct, with such self-sacri- 
fices, as the brightest laurels poorly reward. I 
know not how those souls, which lately inhabited 
yonder clay, stand in the other world (would that 



A RECOED. 285 

your praj^ers and mine could reach them), but I 
do know, that their names shall live in this world 
forever. The marble you shall put up over their 
dust will itself have gone to dust before their 
renown shall have passed from the hearts and 
lips of men. 

" ' Would, friends, that you and I, by any minis- 
try of love, could staunch these widows' and half- 
orphans' tears. Oh ! sisters bereaved, and dear lit- 
tle children, now fatherless, may God in His mercy 
keep you ! May He be help and hope to you ! 
Kemember, I pray you, that the spilled blood 
which was so dear to you, was precious also to 
God ; that it is from such seed that He makes 
freedom, peace, social order, and prosperity to 
grow. 

" ' And, citizens, what shall I say of the Seventh, 
which mourns its noble dead ? Shall I summon 
here the spirits of those who have fallen on the 
half-score fields, where the staunch old regiment 
has left its dead ? Shall I call from the shadowy 
world those who have died in festering prisons? 
Shall I order the rally for those who, broken in 
body, shall engage in active pursuits no more? 
Shall I bring from the field the little remnant — 
headed by the one-unhurt commissioned officer, 
and under this dear, chafed, and rent old flag, 
which no longer shines with the glory of color 



286 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT : 

and figure which it displayed when first nnfnrled 
in your Academy of Music, but which is histrous 
with the light with, which brave deeds have in- 
vested it — shall I tell them of your love for, and 
your gratitude to them ? Nay, this I cannot do. 
But I can say to these representatives of the regi- 
ment who are with us, and through them to that 
little handful of bronzed veterans who, huddling 
around a single camp-fire at Chattanooga, are the 
last remnant of the Seventh — to yon, honored men, 
we owe a debt we can never discharge. You 
sprang to arms, when others hesitated. You en- 
tered the flinty paths of war with feet shod only 
for the gentle ways of peace. Often have you 
been tried, never have you failed ; and the honor of 
the Reserve, which we committed to you, has been 
proudly kept on every field. And in this hour of 
weighty bereavement, our feelings towards you 
and your comrades, living and dead, is like that of 
the pious Scotch woman who, when grim Claver- 
house having first shot her husband, laughing, 
asked, "Well, woman, what thinkest thou of thy 
good man now ?" quietly replied, as she drew the 
l)ierced head to her bosom, and wiped the death- 
damp from his brow : " I aye thought much of 
him, but now moi-e than ever." 

" ' Now, bearers, take out your dead. Put the 
cherished remains in an honored place. Tell art to 



A RECORD. 287 

lift above them worthy marble. "Write upon tlie 
stone the names of the battles in which our herocft 
have fought. AVrite also the virtues of the dead. 
Write, too, that gratitude has lifted the monument, 
partly to do honor to them, worthy of it, whom 
human praise can never reach ; and to teach the 
living that it is well to make even life a sacrifice to 
duty. And when our war has been ended, when 
peace and freedom shall be in all our borders, 
thronging feet shall, through all the generations, 
come up to your memorial, and learn lessons of 
heroism and self-sacrifice.' 

" Kev. William Goodrich, of the First Presby- 
terian Church, made the closing prayer ; after 
which the choir chanted impressively the following 
hymn • 

" ' With tearful eyes I look around, 
Life seems a dark and gloomy sea ; 
Yet midst the gloom I hear a sound, 
A heavenly whisper, ' Come to Me.' 

" ' It tells me of a place of rest — 

It tells me where my soul may flee ; 
Oh ! to the weary, faint, oppressed, 

How sweet the bidding, ' Come to Me I' 

" ' When nature shudders, loth to part 
From all I love, enjoy, and see, 
When a faint chill steals o'er thy heart, 
A sweet voice utters, ' Come to Me.' 

" ' Come, for all else must fade and die, 
Earth is no resting place for thee ; 



288 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

Heavenward direct t'hy weeping eye, 
I am thy portion, ' Come to Me.' 

" ' Oh, voice of mercy ! voice of love I 
In conflict, grief, and agony ; 
Support me, cheer me from above ! 
And gently whisper, Come to Me.' 

" This closed the exercises at tlie church. 



THE FUNEEAL PROCESSION-. 

" As soon as the exercises in the church closed, 
the Brooklyn Light Artillery commenced firing 
minute-guns from the field-piece planted on the 
square in front of the church. At the same time, 
the chiuies of Trinity rang a muffled peal, and the 
bells in all the other churches commenced tolling. 
The square and the streets leading to it were packed 
with people from the city and surrounding country, 
the latter having been pouring in all the morning. 
It seemed almost impossible to keep an oj)en space 
in so great a crowd, but the admirable management 
of the marshals of the day and the city police, 
aided by the spirit of order and decorum in the 
crowd, succeeded in preventing any trouble or con- 
fusion. 

"The procession was formed in nearly the order 
as at first ai'ranged. First came Leland's band, 
])Iaying the "" Dead March." Then the Twenty- 
ninth Regiment, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel 



A EECOED. 289 

Frazee, with arms reversed and bound with crape. 
I^ext the discharged officers and soldiers of tlie 
Seventh, headed by their old band. These old mem- 
bers of the regiment numbered sixty, and were 
formed into a company, under Captain Mulyneaux. 
They were followed by the clergymen of the city, 
after which came the bodies. 

" Colonel Creighton's body was in a hearse drawn 
by four white horses, from undertaker Duty ; and 
the body of Lieutenant-Colonel Crane, in a hearse 
drawn by four black horses, from undertaker How- 
land. Behind the hearses were led two horses fully 
caparisoned. The pall-bearers, whose names have 
been previously given, walked beside the hearses. 
Eleven carriages, containing the mourners, came 
next, followed by a carriage containing Lieutenant 
Loomis, Sergeant-Major Tisdel, Bugler Welzel, and 
privates Shepherd and Meigs, forming the escort 
from the Seventh. Is^ext were the members of the 
old Cleveland Light Guard, with their badges and 
flags ; Governor Brough and other invited guests, 
committee of arrangements, city council, city offi- 
cers, county military committee, two hundred sick 
and wounded soldiers from the United States Military 
Hospital, soldiers from the Twelfth Cavalry, Brook- 
lyn Light Artillery, Captain Pelton ; other military 
and officers of the United States regular and volun- 
teer services ; United States Court officers, Typogra- 



290 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT: 

phical Union, ship-carpenters, old Light Guard, un- 
der Captain J. Robinson, students fro;n Commercial 
College, County Court officers, citizens on foot, citi- 
zens in carriages. 

" The procession was of great length, and passed 
throngh a dense crowd of thousands of people 
during the whole way. It was well managed by 
Colonel William H. Ilayward, chief marshal of 
the day, and his assistants, H. M. Chapin, 
William Edwards, John M. Sterling, junior, and 
C. Busch, The police were again of incalculable 
value in clearing the way and keeping perfect 
order. 

AT THE TOIIB. 

" The lot in the Woodland Cemetery, intended as 
the final resting-place of the heroic dead, not having 
yet been selected, the bodies were taken to the City 
Cemetery, and deposited temporarily in tlie Brad- 
burn Yault, the use of which had been generously 
tendered. The police again, ever vigilant and 
effective, had kept the cemetery and its approaches 
free from the vast crowd until the procession had 
entered, and then secured ample room, so that there 
was no crowding or confusion. 

'"The Twenty-ninth Begiment was drawn up in 
line, with colors immediately opposite the tomb. 
The company of the old members of the Seventh, 



A RECOED. 291 

with reversed arms, stood at the right of the 
tomb. 

" As the procession moved up to the tomb the 
band plaj^ed a dirge. The Rev, W. A. Fiske, 
rector of Grace Church, read the beautiful and 
impressive burial-service of the Episcopal Church, 
the bodies were placed in the vault, the final prayer 
said, and then the door of the tomb was closed. 
The old members of the Seventh fired three volleys 
over the tomb, and all was over. The heroic dead 
sleep undisturbed. 

" So ended the grandest and the most mournful 
pageant that has passed through the streets of Cleve- 
land for many a year." 

LIEUT.-COL. MERYIN CLARK. 

On a gloomy night in May, 1861, when the wind 
was howling in fitful gusts, and the rain pouring 
down in merciless rapidity, the writer was awakened 
by the stentorian voice of the adjutant in front of 

the tent, followed by an order that Lieutenant 

would report for guard-dut3^ After wading half- 
knee deep in mud and water, narrowly escaping a 
cold bath in an over-friendly ditch, I arrived at the 
headquarters of the guard. Soon after my arrival, 
a boy reported to me for duty, as sergeant of the 
guard ; a position no less responsible than my own. 

At first I felt that, on such a feai'ful night, I needed 
13 



292 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

more than a boy to assist me in the performance of 
mj task. His form was fragile ; liis face was 
smooth as that of a girl, and in the dim, shadowy 
light of a camp-fire, struggling against the heavy 
rain, I took him to be about fifteen years of age. 
We immediately entered into conversation, and 
between admiration and surprise, the rain was for- 
gotten, and the moments sped so rapidly, that it 
was nearing the time to change the guard. But 
my boy companion had forgotten nothing, and as 
the moment arrived, he called in the relief. As he 
moved among those sturdy warriors, it occurred to 
me that I had never before met a boy, who was at 
the same time a man — a brave, prudent, reliable 
man. All night he did his duty, and when we 
parted in the morning, I both loved and admired 
him. This was my first meeting with Colonel 
Clark. 

Mervin Clark was a native of Ohio, having been 
born in the city of Cleveland, in 1S43. When but 
three 3'ears of age his mother died, and at the age 
of nine his surviving parent, leaving him an orphan. 
He was now taken, into the family of Henry "W. 
Clark, an uncle, where he found a home, and kind 
friends, during the remainder of his life. 

The flash of the last gun at Sumter had hardly 
died away, when he enrolled himself as a private 
in Captain Do Villiers' comi^any, at the same time 



A RECOKD. 293 

declaring that he would, by no act of liis, leave the 
service of his country, until rebels in arms were 
met and subdued. How well he kept that pledge, 
it is the office of this brief sketch to show. 

He left Camp Dennison as an orderly-sergeant, 
and during the trying marches and skirmishes in 
"Western Yirginia, won a commission. Arriving in 
the East, he was made a first-lieutenant. At the 
battle of Winchester, he surprised and delighted 
every one who saw him. AVhen the bullets flew 
thickest, he stepped on to the brink of the hill, over 
which our men were firing, and, with revolver in 
hand, took part in the strife. His captain, seeing 
his danger, directed him to get behind a tree which 
stood close by. He obeyed orders, but with his 
back to the tree, and his face to the foe. At the 
battle of Cedar Mountain, he commanded a com- 
pany, and during that fearful day, led his men with 
great bravery. At last, when the order was given 
to retreat, he mistook it for an order to charge, and, 
with a dozen men, dashed at the double line of a 
whole brigade of rebels. It was not until an officer 
of authority conveyed the true order to him, that 
he would withdraw. He now took part in all the 
battles in which his regiment was engaged in the 
East, except Antietam. When the regiment left 
for the West, he accompanied it, and soon after 
took part in the battles of Lookout Mountain, 



294 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT : 

Mission Ridge, Taylors Ridge, and the series of 
engagements taking place while with Sherman. 
Before his term of service expired, he was made a 
captain, and commanded his company on its home- 
ward march. He was soon after mustered out with 
his comj)any. He now sought quiet and rest at his 
home, giving no evidence of an intention to again 
enter the service. But before he had been at home 
many weeks, he surprised and disappointec^ his 
friends by enlisting as a private in the regular 
army. His fame, however, was too wide-spread in 
Ohio to sufi'er him to re-enter the service as a 
private. Governor Brougli had already selected 
him for promotion, and when learning of his enlist- 
ment in the regular service, procured an order for 
his discharge, and immediately appointed him 
lieutenant-colonel of the One Hundred and Eighty- 
third Regiment, then about to enter the field. He 
had now come of age, November 5th, and on the 
8th of November cast his first vote; on the 12th, 
he received his commission ; and on the 15th, he 
left for the front. His regiment joined the army of 
General Thomas, on its retreat before the rebel 
forces under Hood. On the 30th of November, the 
regiment was engaged in the terrible battle of 
Franklin. During the engagement, the regiment 
was ordered to, charge the enemy's works. The 
color bearer was soon shot down, when Clark seized 



A RECORD. 295 

the colors, and calling to his men, " Who will follow 
nie to retake these works ?" mounted tlie rehel 
works, and immediately fell, a minie ball having 
passed through his head. Every effort was made 
to take liis body from the field, but to no purpose, 
and the " boy officer" was wrapped in his blanket, 
and buried on the field of his fame, to be finally 
removed by careful hands, when the earth had 
covered every vestige of the strife in its friendly 
bosom. 

LIEUTENANT HENRY ROBINSON. 

Henry Robinson was a native of Ohio, and en- 
tered the service as first-lieutenant of Company G. 
He was always attentive to his duties, and soon 
took a position among the first of his rank. He 
was constantly with his command during its early 
service. He was in the skirmish at Cross Lanes, 
where he won the respect and confidence of the 
entire command by his gallant conduct. In this 
affair, he commanded Company G. Arriving at 
Charleston, he was sent to Gauley Bridge, and soon 
after was taken violently sick with a fever. He 
soon after died. 

In the death of Lieutenant Robinson, the regi- 
ment made one of its greatest sacrifices. He was 
esteemed by every one for his kind and courteous 
manners, as well as for his ability as a soldier, lie 



296 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT: 

liad many friends in tlie army, and at home, and I 
doubt very much if he had an enemy in the Avorhl. 
His military career was short, but of such a char- 
acter that his friends can refer to it with pride. ' 

LIEUTENANT E. S. QUAY. 

E. S. Quay entered the service as second-lieuten- 
ant of Company G. He was with the regiment at 
Cross Lanes, where he gave promise of much future 
usefulness as a soldier. He accompanied the regi- 
ment to Eastern Virginia, where he was acting 
assistant adjutant-general to Colonel Tyler. He 
took part in the battle of Winchester, where he did 
splendid service. After T^der's promotion to a 
general, he was made adjutant-general, and as- 
signed to his staff. In this capacity, he served in 
the battle of Port Republic, where he gained new 
laurels. He finally went to his home on account 
of ill-health, and after a time, died of consumption. 
He was a good soldier. 

LIEUTENANT JAMES P. BHISBINE. 

James P. Brisbine was a native of Trumbull 
County, Ohio. He was born in 1S36. His parents 
dying while he was quite young, he went to live 
with an uncle by the name of Applegate. He re- 
ceived a fair education, and during the time, in part, 
maintaining himself by teaching school iu winter. 



A EECOED. 297 

In the spring of 1S60. he commenced reading law 
in Warren, Ohio, which he continued nntil the 
breaking out of the rebellion. During liis course 
of stud}', he gave promise of an able and useful 
lawyer. When it became evident that the rebellion 
could not be suppressed but by the force of arms, 
he deemed it his duty to leave the study of the 
profession of his choice, and enroll himself among 
the defenders of his country. This step he consid- 
ered as a decided sacrifice to him ; for, by nature, 
he was in no way inclined to the life of a soldier ; 
he preferred the quiet life of a citizen, which is 
alone to be found at home. It was with many 
misgivings that he finally placed his name on the 
roll. In doing this, he was alone influenced by 
patriotic motives. When nrged to be a candidate 
for the position of sergeant, he declined to have 
any thing to do witli the matter ; but was elected, 
notwithstanding his indiffeiJcnce. 

At Camp Dennison, he was made orderly-ser- 
geant. He took part in the skirmish at Cross 
Lanes, where he made a good record as a soldier. 
Soon after entering the field, his health failed him. 
The long marches often taxed him beyond his 
strength ; but he seldom complained. He was not 
in the battle of Winchester on account of sickness, 
being disabled from the effects of the severe march 

from Strasburg, which took place a short time 

13* 



298 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT : 

before. He expressed many regrets on account of 
Lis absence. But he very soon had an opportunity 
to test his courage on the battle-field. The engage- 
ment of Port Republic occurred shortly after. lie 
was in no respect second in gallantry to those who 
were in the previous battle. He was ever at his 
post, doing his duty. During the latter part of the 
battle, a captain, an intimate friend, fell, severely 
wounded. He caught him in his arms, and laid 
him gently on the ground, pillowing his head in 
his lap. The regiment moved off, and the rebels 
advanced ; but he refused to leave his friend. 
And he did not leave until the captain was borne 
away by his comrades. He passed through this 
battle without a scratch. He accompanied the 
regiment to Alexandria, and from there to the front 
of Pope's antiy. He now took part in the battle 
of Cedar Mountain. "While cheering his men for- 
ward, he was wounded. Two men took him in 
their arms, and started in search of the hospital ; 
but before they were off the field a bullet struck 
him in the groin, severing the femoral artery. 
Said he, " Remember, boys, I die for my country," 
and expired in their arms. Thus, a true and de- 
voted friend of his country died to preserve it from 
the attacks of those who had been educated and 
supported by it from boyhood. 

As an officei', Lieutenant Brisbinc was nmcli 



A RECORD. 299 

esteemed ; as a companion, he was admired by 
every one. I doubt if be bad an enemy in tbe 
army or at bouie. He won bis promotion in tbe 
field ; and it was, therefore, a mueb greater prize 
than a higher rank conferred by favor. He was 
commissioned early in 1S62. 

LIEUTENANT CHARLES A. BROOKS. 

Tbe subject of this sketch was born in Bristol, 
Trumbull County, in the year 1843. He early de- 
veloped those good qualities of head and heart for 
which be was afterwards so distino-uisbed. Beino; a 
good student, attentive to his books, as he was to 
every other good purpose, he acquired a good edu- 
cation, which would have enabled him to engage in 
any occupation with credit to himself and profit to 
the community. 

He was desirous of entering tbe service when the 
war first began, but was held back by domestic ties 
which bound him strongly to home. But on the 
second call for troops, be could no longer remain 
out of tbe arm}'' ; and, hastening to a recruiting sta- 
tion, he enlisted in Company H, of the Seventh 
Eegiment. He arrived at Camp Dennison on tbe 
30th of May, and, with others, was mustered into 
the service. His tall, commanding figure, connected 
with his sterling qualities of mind, pointed him out 
as a proper person for promotion. He was, there- 



300 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT: 

fore made a corporal, and, as soon as a vacancy oc- 
curred, a sergeant. His officers soon put unlimited 
confidence in him. If a hazardous enterprise was 
to be performed, he was deemed fitting to undertake 
it, • While still a sergeant, Creighton would often 
point him out as his future adjutant. Finally, when 
Adjutant Shepherd was compelled to resign, on ac- 
count of growing ill health, Creighton procured his 
appointment as first-lieutenant, and at once detailed 
him as his adjutant, lie came to this position en- 
tirely qualified ; for, from the time he had been 
made orderly of Company H, he transacted all of 
the business of the company. He was in the aff'air 
at Cross Lanes, and all other skirmishes in which 
the regiment was engaged, as well as the following 
battles : Port Republic, Cedar Mountain, Dumfries, 
Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg. 

^Near the close of the battle of Port Republic, he 
saw one of his old officers lyi.ng, seriously wounded, 
so near the enemy's lines as to be in danger of cap- 
ture. Throwing down his gun, in company with 
Charles Garrard, he braved the battle-fire, and 
brought his old comrade safely from the field ; 
thus, probably, saving his life. 

At the battle of Cedar Mountain he was slightly 
wounded, losing a finger. 

In July he was sent to Ohio to bring forward the 
drafted men assigned to the Seventh. While on his 



A RECORD. 301 

way from Columbus to liis home in Bristol, he met 
with a frightful accident resulting in death. "While 
seated in an omnibus, it was driven on to the rail- 
road track, directly in front of a train. In jumping 
out, he was knocked down by the cars and run 
over, mangling both legs frightfully. He was taken 
to the New England House, but nothing could be 
done for him, and he expired early the following 
morning. The following is from the pen of one who 
knew him and prized him :* 

" The career of this young man has been short 
but brilliant. He has been a soldier and a man ; 
pure, noble-hearted, sympathetic, and always ready 
for any duty. He has been brave, courageous, and 
trustworthy. He has gone from us with no stain 
upon his honor, no spots upon his escutcheon, but 
with his armor begrimed with the dust of many 
battles. Although 3'oung in years, he had lived 
long, if you count the hardships he had endured, 
tlie stirring and momentous events through which 
he had passed, and in the transpiring of which he 
had been an actor, the service he rendered his coun- 
try, and humanity at large, and the good he had 
done ; if gauged by this standard, he had become 
more mature than many men who have attained 
their threescore and ten years. So bright an ex- 

* Colonel J. F. Asper. 



802 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT: 

ample cannot fail to have a good influence upon the 
young men of the country. Ilis violent death will 
bring his virtues prominently before their minds, 
and cannot fail to make an impression. Let all be 
exhorted to emulate his patriotism, his gallantry, 
his valor, his promptness in the discharge of duty, 
his kindness of heart, suavity of manner, his manly 
and soldier-like qualities ; and if in civil life, they 
will become manlier men — if in military life, they 
cannot fail to become better and braver soldiers." 

He was buried near where he was born, on the 
banks of a rippling brook, under the shade of beau- 
tiful trees, through the boughs of which will sing 
an everlasting requiem fitting so brave and active 
a spirit. The citizens of the vicinity turned out in 
mass to honor his memory with their presence, 
and tearful eyes and expressive looks showed 
their heartfelt sympathy for the afflicted mother, 
sister, brother, and relatives; while a military or- 
ganization from Warren gave him the fitting es- 
cort, and fired three volleys over his grave. 

A grateful public will not forget this heroic and 
noble sacrifice. Let an enduring monument be 
erected. Not of marble, which may crumble ; 
but let his manly deeds be engraved upon the 
tablets of their memory, and let his virtues and 
sacrifices be interwoven with the afiections, the 
sympathies, and the lives of the people, so that 



A EECOKD. 303 

while time lasts, and all that is noble in human 
action, good in thought, and true in conception 
and motive, shall be treasured as sacred memories, 
this hero will not be forgotten, because kept fresh 
with the watering of many tears. 

LIEUTENANT JOSEPH H. ROSS. 

Joseph H. Ross entered the service as a private 
in Captain W. R. Sterling's company. Soon after 
arriving in camp he was made a sergeant, and 
finally orderly. He was engaged in all the marches 
and skirmishes in Western Yirginia, and at Cross 
Lanes fought like a veteran. He was in the battle 
of Winchester, where he displayed such reckless 
bravery as to attract the attention of the entire 
command. While the regiment was partially 
concealed behind a ridge, within eighty yards of 
the enemy, Ross was not content with remaining 
at such a distance, but creeping over the hill, 
crawled forward on his hands and knees till he 
Avas midway between the lines, and taking a posi- 
tion behind a rock, swung his hat to those behind. 
None but Sergeant Whiting, of Company D, had 
the courage to follow him. From behind this rock, 
the two heroes kept up a constant fire on the en- 
emy, hitting their man at every shot. 

Ross was now made a lieutenant, and assigned 
to Company C. He was in the battle of Port Re- 



304 THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 

public, where he fought with liis usual bravery. 
At the battle of Cedar Mountain he commanded 
Company C. During the entire day he led his 
men with such certainty, that they slaughtered 
the enemy fearfully. Night came, and he had not 
received a scratch, while the thinned ranks testified 
how many had fallen around him. Soon after dark, 
as if the regiment had not already suffered snfii- 
ciently, it was ordered on picket. When about a 
mile out, it was fired U2)on from all quarters, and 
Lieutenant Ross fell, mortally wounded. He died 
soon after. His loss was deeply felt, both in the army 
and at home ; for he was a true soldier and friend. 

LIEUTENANT FRANK JOHNSON. 

At this same bloody battle of Cedar Mountain, 
another youthful hero fell, Frank Johnson, Company 
r. He had entered the service as a private in 
John Man's comj^any, and had risen through the 
different grades of corporal and sergeant to be a 
lieutenant. He had toiled along through the hard 
marches of J;he Seventh, struggling against a weak 
constitution, which was every day being impaired 
by hardships and exposure. He had fought nobly 
in the battles of Winchester and Port Republic, — 
recognized by the authorities by giving him a com- 
mission ; and now, in the morning of his new life as 
a leader^ he fell at the head of his company. 

31;77-2 



